Wind, thunder unload on metro Phoenix
Jul 15, 2013, 7:55 PM | Updated: Jul 16, 2013, 11:24 am
PHOENIX — Resident in the East Valley will begin cleaning up their neighborhoods Tuesday after monsoonlike weather blew through the area, knocking out power and uprooting trees in the southeast suburbs.
Weather radar showed several storm cells circling the Valley and severe weather was reported around town. The National Weather Service said winds of up to 60-70 mph.
The wind was so severe in the Ahwatukee area of southeast Phoenix that it knocked down the scoreboard at Desert Vista High School’s football field.
NWS Spotter report from 1 SW #Ahwatukee: 30th St and Chandler Blvd. marble size hail and numerous trees down. Estimated winds 45-55mph #azwx
— Matthew Pace (@DrMatt12News) July 16, 2013
KTAR’s Bruce St. James said a semitruck was blown over on Interstate 10 and there was nearly zero visibility on I-10 near Pecos Road and that some freeway signs were down.
In a tweet, SRP said power was cut to about 4,500 customers. By Tuesday morning less than 50 were without electricity.
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning Monday for both Pinal and Maricopa counties and a lightning alert was issued at Sky Harbor Airport, meaning that lightning was spotted within 10 miles of the airport.
There is a 40 percent chance for rain Tuesday, with scattered showers late afternoon into the evening.
