Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Disrupt Arizona Monsoon on September 4, 2025

PHOENIX, AZ (September 4, 2025) - Multiple severe thunderstorm warnings were issued across the Greater Phoenix area this evening as intense monsoon storms swept through Maricopa County, bringing heavy rain, damaging gusts, and dense dust to the Valley of the Sun.

At 7:30 p.m. MST, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Phoenix issued the first warning for areas including Maricopa, Sacaton, and Casa Blanca. The alert warned of storms capable of producing wind gusts in excess of 60 mph, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, and localized flooding. Motorists were urged to slow down and be prepared for sudden reductions in visibility.

By 8:10 p.m., the warning zone shifted eastward, encompassing Chandler, Maricopa, and Queen Creek until 9:00 p.m. MST. Observers reported torrential downpours and hail in some neighborhoods, as well as fallen branches blocking side streets.

Shortly thereafter, at 8:15 p.m., a dust storm warning was issued for I-10, I-17, and US-60 corridors near Phoenix-Mesa, citing dense blowing dust propelled by outflow winds from the storms. Drivers faced near-zero visibility on major freeways, prompting law enforcement to temporarily reduce speed limits and close select on-ramps.

The most extensive warning arrived at 8:20 p.m., covering Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert until 9:15 p.m. MST. Storm chasers captured videos of fast-moving gust fronts and towering cumulonimbus clouds advancing rapidly across the Valley skyline.

By late evening, storms began to weaken as they moved northward, but not before depositing over an inch of rain in some metro Phoenix locations and kick-starting the first widespread dust-storm advisory of the season. The NWS cautioned residents to remain alert for additional flash-flood warnings overnight, as saturated ground and clogged drainage systems could lead to pooling on local roads.

Emergency officials reinforced the “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” mantra, advising drivers encountering blowing dust or heavy rain to exit the roadway, turn off lights, and wait for conditions to improve. Power crews were mobilized to respond to scattered outages caused by lightning strikes and wind-toppled trees.

No injuries have been reported so far, though cleanup efforts will continue into the night. Monsoon moisture will persist through Friday, with additional thunderstorm chances expected across southern Arizona.