Aug 16, 2012
Scattered thunderstorms developed across the northern portion of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area during the evening hours on August 16th. The storms produced locally heavy rainfall with rain rates well in excess of one inch per hour. The heavy rain led to episodes of flash flooding, which affected the towns of Surprise and Circle City. The flooding led to water across area roads, which promted a number of swift water rescues in the west valley.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 397626). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Maricopa County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.