Highlights
- The National Weather Service in Phoenix issued a Flash Flood Warning effective 6:48 p.m. MST July 16, expiring 9:45 p.m.
- Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain have already fallen; an additional 0.75 to 1.5 inches are possible.
- Apache Junction, Lost Dutchman State Park, the Salt River, and Bulldog Wash are among the named locations at risk.
- NWS warns most flood deaths occur in vehicles — drivers should turn around on any flooded road.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING: The National Weather Service in Phoenix issued a Flash Flood Warning for Maricopa County and Pinal County at 6:48 p.m. MST Thursday, July 16, valid until 9:45 p.m. MST.
Doppler radar and automated rain gauges confirmed thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area as of 6:48 p.m. Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain had already fallen, with an expected rainfall rate of 1.25 inches in 30 minutes. The NWS says an additional 0.75 to 1.5 inches are possible before the warning expires.
The agency rates the hazard as life-threatening flash flooding of creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses. Named locations in the warning include Apache Junction, Goldfield, and Lost Dutchman State Park. The Salt River and Bulldog Wash are specifically identified as affected drainages.
The NWS Phoenix office has noted that abundant monsoon moisture is driving a transition from severe wind and dust hazards to primarily flash flooding across the region, according to its forecast discussion.
Drivers should not attempt to cross flooded roads. The NWS instructs anyone who encounters a flooded roadway to turn around, noting that most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Observed flooding should be reported to local emergency services or law enforcement.
The warning expires at 9:45 p.m. MST; monitor NWS Phoenix for updates or extensions.
Sources
Every factual claim in this article traces to one of the sources below. See how we work for the editorial process.
- api.weather.gov retrieved 17/07/2026 01:49
- weather.gov retrieved 17/07/2026 01:49
Authored by The Scottsdale Signal. Drafted by AI from primary-source material under our beat-specific editorial guides; reviewed by humans before publish under our five-gate process. Sources retrieved at 17/07/2026 01:49. Every claim traces to a source.
