Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Warnings Issued for Maricopa and Pinal Counties

The National Weather Service in Phoenix issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Maricopa County in south-central Arizona until 10:15 p.m. on Aug. 30, 2026.

At 9:01 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was near South Mountain Park, or near Laveen, moving north at 15 mph. At 9:21 p.m., another storm was near Morristown, or near Circle City, moving north at 25 mph. At 9:27 p.m., a thunderstorm was 15 miles north of Tonopah and moving northeast at 25 mph.

Flash flood warnings in Maricopa and Pinal counties

The weather service also issued a flash flood warning for Maricopa County until 1:15 a.m. Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area at 9:16 p.m. Between 1.25 and 1.75 inches of rain had fallen, with additional rainfall of up to 1 inch possible. Flash flooding was ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

A Flash Flood Warning was issued for Pinal County in southeastern Arizona until 12:45 a.m. At 8:52 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain had fallen, with additional rainfall of up to 1 inch possible. Flash flooding was ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

See weather radar for Maricopa County

What are weather service meteorologists saying?

At 8:28 p.m. MST, a severe thunderstorm was located near Wenden, or 29 miles south of Alamo Lake, moving northeast at 15 mph.

What is a severe thunderstorm warning?

Thunderstorms are common in Arizona, particularly during the state’s monsoon season, which runs from June 15 to Sept. 30. The monsoon brings intense heat, surges of moisture and atmospheric instability, creating afternoon clouds and increasing the chance of storms.

Although storms occur most frequently during the monsoon, they can develop in Arizona at any time of year. Some storms are isolated and brief, while others can produce strong winds, lightning and torrential rain.

A severe thunderstorm warning means an area is experiencing or is about to experience a storm with winds of 58 mph or higher and/or hail at least 1 inch in diameter.

How to stay safe during Arizona thunderstorms

• Go indoors at the first sound of thunder. Lightning can strike miles away from the parent storm.
• Wait 30 minutes after the storm passes before resuming outdoor activities.
• Avoid using electronics and plumbing, and stay away from windows.
• Bring pets indoors.
• If there is time, secure loose objects outside because they can become dangerous flying debris in high winds.

This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.

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