Powerful monsoon storm hits Phoenix metro, sends tree crashing into Scottsdale apartments

PHOENIX (AZFamily)— Several areas of Arizona, including the Phoenix metro area, were hit by powerful monsoon-related storms Tuesday night.

Downpours of rain and hail hit several neighborhoods stretching from Phoenix to Queen Creek, while others remained untouched.

In Scottsdale, strong winds and heavy rain caused a large tree to collapse onto an apartment complex near Via de Ventura and Hayden Roads, forcing the evacuation of 16 apartments. According to Scottsdale Fire Capt. Dave Folio, two people had to be rescued but they were not injured.

“We have since sent two of those [people] to the hotel overnight to stay, and everybody else went back in the structure,” he said. “And then we’ve got reports of a lot of trees down on the golf course.”

One of the main concerns for firefighters was the risk of gas and water leaks. “We bring out our hazmat teams, monitor the area, make sure we don’t have gas leaks, water leaks. So those are main concerns to us, especially in some of these residential areas. So the Scottsdale City Streets departments have done a phenomenal job,” he said.

Winds were estimated to be over 60 miles per hour in the area at the height of the storm.

Crews are now working on clean-up efforts and removing trees from the road.

In the West Valley, just after 8 p.m., a 911 caller reported a fire broke out at an abandoned palm tree farm near 83rd Avenue and Broadway Road. Rural Metro Fire crews quickly arrived on scene and found an acre of trees up in flames.

High winds caused the fire to spread rapidly to 150 overgrown trees, according to Rural Metro Fire. However, thanks to the rain, firefighters were able to gain control and put it out. No injuries were reported.

While crews suspect that the fire was caused by storms moving through the area, it remains under investigation.

A severe thunderstorm warning for Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Paradise Valley remained effective until 9:45 p.m. There is still a chance of storms in the forecast through Friday this week; the good news is temperatures are cooling down on Wednesday. Our high on Wednesday will be around 106, which is our average high this time of year.

Over the weekend, drier air will move in with clear skies. Temperatures will also climb above 110 for both Saturday and Sunday.

An Excessive Heat Warning remains in effect today in the Lower Colorado River Valley, and a High Pollution Advisory is in effect for the Valley metro area.

A weather disturbance from Mexico moved into Arizona Tuesday morning, possibly providing additional lift and instability for the storm development. A Blowing Dust Advisory was in effect for the deserts of the state, including the Valley, from 5 to 8 p.m.

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