Torrential Rainfall Slams Maricopa County; More On Its Way

MARICOPA COUNTY — Monsoon rainfall swept through Maricopa County on Friday night, prompting at least one city to issue a state of emergency and leaving several more on edge as additional severe weather is expected to hit the area this weekend.

Rainfall totals ranged from a half-inch to more than 2 inches across parts of the Phoenix metro, according to AZFamily.com. The downpour prompted flood warnings across the region and rendered some roads inaccessible due to floodwaters.

Officials in Gila Bend declared a state of emergency just after 7 a.m. Saturday, AZFamily reported, after areas of the town were hit with more than 1.5 inches of rain. The downpour also prompted rescues and several evacuations.

Gila Bend remains under a flood warning until 6:15 p.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

Meanwhile, more rain is on the horizon.

Monsoon rainfall remains a major threat for the Phoenix area through Sunday, according to the NWS.

Storms are expected to develop over the mountains around 1 p.m., AZFamily reported, and will likely move into the Valley before 9 p.m. Saturday. A 20 percent chance of rain is also forecast for the area on Sunday, according to the NWS.

Additional rainfall could bring 1-2 inches of rain per hour, which could lead to rapid runoff and flash flooding. Past and recent burn scars will be especially prone to flash flooding and debris flow.

A flash flood watch remains in effect for parts of southern Arizona, including the Phoenix metro, through 5 p.m. Sunday.