Highlights
- The National Weather Service in Phoenix issued a Flash Flood Warning for Maricopa County effective 7:16 p.m. MST July 16, expiring at 10:15 p.m.
- Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain had already fallen by 7:16 p.m., with an additional 0.5 to 1.5 inches possible before the warning expires.
- Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, and the Salt River drainage system are among the named locations facing life-threatening flash flooding.
- NWS instructs drivers to turn around and not attempt flooded roads, noting most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING: The National Weather Service in Phoenix issued a Flash Flood Warning for Maricopa County in south central Arizona at 7:16 p.m. MST Thursday, July 16, with the warning in effect until 10:15 p.m. MST.
Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area as of 7:16 p.m. Between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain had already fallen, with an expected rainfall rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. An additional 0.5 to 1.5 inches are possible before the warning expires.
The NWS characterized the hazard as life-threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses. Named locations include Canyon Lake and Saguaro Lake. Affected drainages include the Salt River, Cottonwood Creek, Barge Creek, Tortilla Creek, First Water Creek, Boulder Creek, Barranca Creek, and Bulldog Wash.
The NWS instructs anyone encountering flooded roads to turn around and not attempt to cross. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, the agency noted. Campers and hikers should avoid streams and creeks. Residents are asked to report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement.
The warning expires at 10:15 p.m. MST; monitor the NWS Phoenix forecast office for updates or extensions.
Sources
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- api.weather.gov retrieved 17/07/2026 02:19
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 02:19. Every claim traces to a source.
