Live Updates: Fierce Storms Pound Valley with Lightning and Strong Winds, Thousands Lose Power

Monsoon moisture is moving across Arizona Sunday. Here are the latest updates.

PHOENIX — Thunderstorms are spanning a large portion of Arizona on Sunday, from Northern Arizona to the southern Arizona/New Mexico border. Maricopa County is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 8 p.m.

Blowing dust in the Valley earlier caused a ground stop at Sky Harbor Airport. As of 5 p.m., 18,000 customers in the Valley are without power, affecting APS and SRP customers.

6 p.m. – There is a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Theba and Piedra until 6:30 p.m.

5:45 p.m. – A dust storm warning is in effect for I-8 near Bosque, Gila Bend, Piedra, and Sentinel until 6 p.m.

5:20 p.m. – Thunderstorms continue developing over the Valley, bringing lightning and winds up to 50 mph. Dust is particularly intense in Gila Bend and along the I-8.

4:55 p.m. – I-10 near Wintersburg is under a dust storm warning until 5:15 p.m.

4:25 p.m. – A dust storm warning is active until 5:15 p.m. for I-10 near Avondale and Goodyear.

4:20 p.m. – A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Sunflower, lasting until 5:15 p.m.

4:05 p.m. – Another Flash Flood Warning is in place for Queen Valley until 7 p.m.

Strong to severe thunderstorms will impact the Lake Pleasant recreational area over the next 30-90 minutes, potentially producing strong wind gusts, heavy rainfall, hail, and frequent lightning.

Numerous dust storm warnings are currently affecting various areas, including I-10, I-17, and US-60 near Phoenix and Mesa until 4:30 p.m. The dense blowing dust creates hazardous driving conditions, with wind speeds reaching up to 50 mph.

Weather warnings include a special weather statement for Phoenix, Mesa, and Chandler until 3:45 p.m., which cautions about 40 mph winds. Anthem and New River are under a severe thunderstorm warning until 3:45 p.m.

Delays are being reported for some arriving flights at Sky Harbor Airport, averaging 56 minutes.

According to the National Weather Service, strong damaging winds are the main concern with the storms moving into the Valley. Winds could exceed 60 mph. Severe thunderstorms are expected to push from Northern Arizona into the lower deserts between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. An outflow boundary entering these areas raises the chances of intense winds and dense blowing dust.

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is ongoing for portions of Gila and Maricopa counties until 3:15 p.m., affecting areas like Fountain Hills and Cave Creek. A line of severe storms was extending from Horseshoe Reservoir to Punkin Center.

Additionally, Roosevelt is under a severe thunderstorm warning until 2:15 p.m., where wind gusts of up to 60 mph and penny-sized hail are possible.

This is an urgent weather update from ArizonaNews.org.