Scattered thunderstorms developed across the northern portion of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area during the evening hours on August 16th. The storms produced locally heavy rainfall with rain rates well in excess of one inch per hour. The heavy rain led to episodes of flash flooding, which affected the towns of Surprise and Circle City. The flooding led to water across area roads, which promted a number of swift water rescues in the west valley.

Flash Flood in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 16-AUG-12 21:45:00 to 16-AUG-12 23:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: CIRCLE CITY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Scattered thunderstorms developed across northern portions of Maricopa county during the evening hours, and the storms generated locally heavy rainfall with rain rates in excess of one inch per hour. The heavy rain led to excessive urban flooding, which prompted the issuance of an Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory at 9 pm for north central portions of Maricopa county, including the town of Circle City. According to local law enforcement, at about 945 pm water was reported to be rapidly running across the road at the intersection of 211th Avenue and Highway 74. This intersection is located 4 miles east of Circle City. Law enforcement also indicated that water was flowing over the road at 170th Avenue and Dixileta Road, about 6 miles northwest of Beardsley. This flooding occurred at about 950 pm. No injuries were reported as a result of the flooding.

Flash Flood in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 16-AUG-12 21:30:00 to 16-AUG-12 23:59:00 (MST-7)
Location: WITTMANN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Scattered thunderstorms developed across northern portions of Maricopa county during the evening hours on August 16th, and they produced locally heavy rain with rain rates in excess of one inch per hour. Radar and rain gage data indicated some locations picked up between one half and one and a half inches of rain, especially areas to the north of Surprise. The heavy rain led to excessive urban flooding, which transitioned into flash flooding. A Flash Flood Warning was not issued, however an Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory was in effect as of 9 pm for portions of north central Maricopa county. As seen on a channel 15 television interview, significant street flooding occurred in portions of Surprise with water at least one foot deep in places. Ponded water approached several homes and actually flowed into the first floor of at least one home, causing significant damage. According to local law enforcement, multiple cars were washed off the road near Dale Lane and 170th Avenue. Rain falling north of the area caused washes to flow rapidly, and water from a flooding wash flowed over the road, trapping a number of drivers. Surprise fire Captain Kevin Spirlong indicated that there were multiple swift water rescues; rescue units had to pluck people from 8 vehicles. It took about 30 firefighters from 6 local agencies to get the residents from the wash which was located near 173rd Avenue and Dixieleta Road. The swift water rescues took place from around 10 pm to midnight. Surprise police spokesman Mark Ortega indicated that there was damage to some of the roads as a result of the flooding and the roads were going to be tested for safety. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the flash flooding.