Storms rain on Valley, more forecast

July 11, 2008 - 11:08 AM

Heavy storms drenched the Valley Thursday night, carrying debris and dust across freeways and streets while pelting the land with rainfall.

According to the National Weather Service, Scottsdale and Mesa were hit the hardest, but West Valley cities got their fair share of rain, as well. Sun City saw 1.22 inches of rain, while Sun City West got .52 inches and Sun City Grand saw .87 inches, according to reports from Daily News-Sun weather watchers.

Many roadways that cross washes in both metropolitan Phoenix and Tucson were closed Friday morning. Lowlying intersections are also flooded in some areas.

The National Weather Service says most of the state received from 1 to 3 inches of rain. Kingman received 1¼ inches, with areas south of Interstate 40 from Parker to Wickenburg getting from 2 to 3 inches.

In metropolitan Phoenix, from 1 to 2 inches of rain fell, with up to 3 inches in southeastern areas such as northern Pinal County.

Tucson's airport got nearly an 1½ inches of rain, and Cochise County received more than an inch, with more in some higher elevations.

Weather Service meteorologist Valerie Meyers in Phoenix said areas that were hit hardest overnight will see less rain because the atmosphere has stabilized.

Meteorologists predict a 50 percent chance of showers today between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., a 30 percent to 40 percent chance on Saturday and a 20 percent chance on Sunday.

The high temperatures for the weekend will be in the low 90s.

A hazardous weather outlook is in effect until Wednesday.