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Weather recap: Monsoon storms overcome Valley; Gila Bend declares state of emergency

Flash flooding, downed power lines and more are the results of a stormy weekend. Here's a breakdown of what happened.

PHOENIX — Between one to three inches of rain fell over the Valley this weekend after a bout of heavy monsoon storms. 

Multiple flood warnings were issued overnight and downed power lines from strong winds caused thousands to go without power. There were 60,000 lightning flashes across central Arizona from 7 p.m. Friday to 2:30 a.m. Saturday, the National Weather Service said. 

A Flash Flood Watch was in effect for south-central Arizona until 5 p.m. Sunday.

More rainfall was expected late Saturday afternoon into Sunday and storms chances will continue for the Valley throughout the next week. 

RELATED: One dead, several others rescued in Gila Bend flooding

Here is a recap of the weather updates during the monsoon activity this weekend.

Sunday

10:15 p.m. 

A flash flood warning has been issued for Gila County until 2:15 a.m.

10 p.m. 

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Gold Canyon, Superior and Queen Valley. 

9:20 p.m. 

Some portions of Gila and Pinal counties should be aware of possible thunderstorms in their area until 10 p.m. 

A severe thunderstorm warning has been ordered for Claypool, Miami and Top-of-the-World until 10 p.m. 

8:05 p.m.

A strong thunderstorm warning is in place for  Gila County through 8:45 p.m. 

1:30 p.m.

A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Apache County until 2 p.m. The NWS warns of quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph.

10 a.m. 

The National Weather Service informed Gila Bend officials that a second monsoon storm on Tuesday has the potential of bringing even more flooding to the area. 

Credit: Sky 12

8:15 a.m.

Monsoon flooding caused some roads fissures to open in Cochise County, the county's sheriff's office posted on Facebook. 

Dragoon Road near Highway 191 this morning. Detours are required using Cochise Stronghold.

Posted by Cochise County Sheriff's Office - Mark J. Dannels Sheriff on Sunday, August 15, 2021


Saturday

4:00 p.m.

A flood advisory has been issued for Gila County. 

3:15 p.m. 

Strong thunderstorms are predicted to hit some parts of Gila County. A warning has been issued through 3:45 p.m. 

1 p.m. 

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected again late Saturday afternoon into the evening across southwest Arizona, meaning more threats of flash flooding. 

10 a.m.

Power was restored for approximately one thousand residents after downed power lines caused outages across Metro Phoenix. 

9:40 a.m.

Multiple road fissures opened on Parker Ranch Road in the Wilcox area, Cochise County Sheriff's Office said. 

Cochise County Sheriff’s Office advising to use caution in the area of Parker Ranch Road in the Willcox area due to road...

Posted by Cochise County Sheriff's Office - Mark J. Dannels Sheriff on Saturday, August 14, 2021

8:40 a.m.

The old U.S. 80 is closed from Woods Road to Watermelon Road due to flooding, Maricopa County said. 

8: 30 a.m.

A State of Emergency was declared for Gila Bend by Mayor Chris Riggs due to the severe flooding that occurred overnight.

American Red Cross is assisting those in need in the area and SR 238 from Gila Bend to Maricopa is closed in both directions due to flooding.

8 a.m. 

Lower Buckeye Road is closed from 127th Avenue in Avondale to 4th Street in Phoenix due to flooding, Maricopa County said.

7:30 a.m.

Nearly 2,000 people in Metro Phoenix are experiencing power outages due to downed power lines caused by the storms, according to APS. 

The energy company estimates that the majority of the outages will be restored by mid-morning Saturday. 

Credit: Jenny Rantz, Facebook
Lightning flashes across the sky during storms in Chandler, Friday night.

4 a.m.

Another Flood Warning was issued for Maricopa County until 12:45 p.m. Saturday due to a dam floodgate release, the NWS said. 

An upstream floodgate release is expected to cause flooding with downstream impacts to McKellips Road and gravel operations. 

Highways, streets and overpasses will experience flooding in Mesa, Tempe, Granite Reef Dam, Tempe Marketplace and along the Salt River.

3:30 a.m.

A Flood Warning was issued for Maricopa County until 9:30 a.m. Saturday. 

Between one and 2.5 inches of rain have already fallen with more expected later in the day. Flooding is occurring or expected to occur along the Skunk Creek, Cave Creek and Indian Bend Wash, the NWS said. 

Arizona Weather 

Arizona has seen its fair share of severe weather. Here is a compilation of videos from various storms across the Grand Canyon state.

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