Scattered monsoon thunderstorms developed across much of south-central Arizona during the afternoon and evening hours on July 18th and they affected portions of the greater Phoenix area as well as areas around the community of Wickenburg. The storms brought many of the typical summer weather hazards; trees were downed by strong winds near the town of Goodyear, widespread flooding was reported in the early evening in Wickenburg and dense blowing dust was reported near the Ak-Chin Village at 1815MST. At 1835MST a trained spotter measured 1.75 inches of rain within one hour near Wickenburg, sufficient to cause significant flash flooding. No injuries were reported due to the hazardous weather.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 18-JUL-17 17:15:00 to 18-JUL-17 17:15:00 (MST-7)
Location: LIBERTY
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Strong thunderstorms developed across the western portion of the greater Phoenix area during the late afternoon hours on July 18th, and some of them affected the area around the town of Goodyear. At 1715MST, a trained weather spotter located 7 miles southwest of Goodyear reported numerous Palo Verde trees blown down by wind gusts estimated to be as high as 65 mph. Pea sized hail and heavy rain accompanied the strong gusty winds.

Dust Storm in CENTRAL DESERTS, ARIZONA
From 18-JUL-17 18:15:00 to 18-JUL-17 21:00:00 (MST-7)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Scattered thunderstorms developed over portions of the central deserts, and they produced gusty outflow winds which reached as high as 40 mph. The gusty winds produced areas of dense blowing dust near the town of Ak-Chin in western Pinal County. According to a public report, at 1815MST visibility was lowered to one quarter of a mile in a dust storm 2 miles southeast of Ak-Chin Village. A Dust Storm Warning was not issued. Instead, a Blowing Dust Advisory was issued and it was in effect from 1826MST through 2100MST.

Heavy Rain in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 18-JUL-17 19:00:00 to 18-JUL-17 21:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: LIBERTY
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Scattered thunderstorms developed over portions of the greater Phoenix area during the late afternoon and evening hours and some of them produced locally heavy rainfall with rain rates in excess of one inch per hour. The heavy rain was more than sufficient to cause urban flooding. Locally heavy rain affected the area around and to the south of Goodyear, near Estrella Mountain Ranch. According to a report from the public, at 1930MST heavy rain 10 miles southwest of Goodyear resulted in the the road being under water at the intersection of Willis Road and Rainbow Valley Road.

Flash Flood in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 18-JUL-17 20:30:00 to 19-JUL-17 00:30:00 (MST-7)
Location: ESTRELLA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Scattered thunderstorms developed across the southwest portion of the greater Phoenix area during the late afternoon and evening hours on July 18th and some of them produced locally heavy rains. The rains caused numerous washes in the area to flow and several of these crossed Highway 238 between Gila Bend and the town of Mobile. Flash flooding along Highway 238 was likely after 2030MST, and in fact a Flash Flood Warning was already in effect at that time, running through 2345MST. According to the Arizona Department of Highways, as of 2326MST State Route 238 was closed due to flooding west bound from milepost 24 to Gila Bend. The road was to be closed through 0030MST the next day.

Flash Flood in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 18-JUL-17 18:35:00 to 18-JUL-17 21:26:00 (MST-7)
Location: WICKENBURG MUNI ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorms with intense rainfall developed over northwest Maricopa County during the late afternoon hours on July 18th and they affected the town of Wickenburg. Very heavy rain occurred; at 1835MST a trained spotter 2 miles west of Wickenburg measured 1.75 inches of rain within a one hour period, near Wickenburg Way. The heavy rain was sufficient to cause widespread flash flooding in the town of Wickenburg. At 1845MST a member of the public reported widespread flooding in Wickenburg including flash flooding in Sols Wash. Flash flooding closed the Vulture Mine Road at 1845MST. Fortunately no injuries were reported due to the flooding.