Showers and thunderstorms developed across the lower deserts to the west and southwest of central Phoenix during the morning hours on October 7th. Some of the stronger storms produced locally heavy rain that resulted in significant flow down washes such as Centennial Wash and the Fourth of July Wash. The heavy flow in the washes caused 2 episodes of flash flooding as flood waters inundated downstream roads. Additionally, heavy rain led to flash flooding along Highway 238 between Gila Bend and the town of Mobile. The highway was closed due to the flooding. Flash Flood Warnings were issued due to the inundated and closed roadways. No accidents or injuries were reported due to the flooding.

Flash Flood in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 07-OCT-18 04:15:00 to 07-OCT-18 07:15:00 (MST-7)
Location: ARLINGTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Isolated showers and thunderstorms developed across the deserts to the west and southwest of Phoenix during the morning hours on October 7th. Some of the stronger storms generated locally heavy rain that led to significant flow in area washes, such as the Centennial Wash. According to a local emergency manager, at 0504MST old US Highway 80 was closed near Agua Caliente Road due to flash flooding down the Centennial Wash. The time of the flooding was based on the expected travel time of flood waters that exceeded alert stage from the Centennial Wash at SPRR Flood Control District stream gauge. No accidents were reported due to the flash flooding. A Flash Flood Warning was issued for the area starting at 0413MST and continuing through 0715MST.

Flash Flood in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 07-OCT-18 05:00:00 to 07-OCT-18 08:00:00 (MST-7)
Location: MOBILE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms developed across the deserts to the southwest of Phoenix during the morning hours on October 7th. Some of the stronger storms generated locally heavy rains which fell over higher terrain locations northeast of Gila Bend such as the Maricopa Mountains. Runoff from the heavy rain drained across portions of State Route 238 between Gila Bend and the town of Mobile near the Maricopa County line. According to the Arizona Department of Highways, State Route 238 was forced to close at 0700MST due to flash flooding and water across the highway. The highway was closed about 11 miles southwest of Mobile. A Flash Flood Warning was issued for the highway northeast of Gila Bend at 0426MST and it remained in effect through 0800MST. No accidents were reported due to the water over the road creating hazardous driving conditions.

Flash Flood in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 07-OCT-18 02:30:00 to 07-OCT-18 05:45:00 (MST-7)
Location: HARQUA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Mesonet

Isolated showers and thunderstorms moved across the deserts to the southwest of Phoenix during the early morning hours on October 7th. Some of the stronger storms generated locally heavy rainfall which led to flash flooding down the Fourth of July Wash. Local mesonet data indicated that Agua Caliente Road became flooded and impassable where it crossed the Fourth of July Wash, due to heavy flow in the wash. The flash flooding began at approximately 0250MST and continued into the early morning hours. The location of the flash flooding was about 17 miles to the southwest of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. The timing and location of the flash flooding was aided by data from a Maricopa County Flood Control District stream gage that showed a crest at 3.57 feet, and a peak flow of 1568 cubic feet per second. A Flash Flood Warning was issued for the area at 0247MST and it remained in effect through 0545MST.