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Severe Storms, Flash Flooding and Possible Tornadoes Expected Across Arizona Wednesday
By Ciara Perez | Senior Multimedia Correspondent
iSkyNews.com | October 20, 2026
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PHOENIX, AZ — Arizona could be in for another round of rough weather this week, and forecasters are warning residents to be prepared for everything from heavy rain and flash flooding to damaging winds, large hail, and even a possible tornado.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for much of the Phoenix metropolitan area, beginning Wednesday evening, October 21, and continuing through Thursday afternoon, October 22.
Meanwhile, the NOAA Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of central and eastern Arizona under a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms on Wednesday, meaning some storms could become strong enough to cause damage.
Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding a Major Concern
The Flood Watch covers a large portion of the Valley, including Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, and surrounding communities.
The watch takes effect Wednesday at 8 p.m. and remains in place until Thursday at 5 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service, a strong weather system moving into the Southwest will bring widespread showers and thunderstorms, with the heaviest activity expected Wednesday evening into Thursday.
Some locations could see rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, which could quickly create problems on area roadways.
For anyone who has lived in Arizona for a while, it doesn't take much heavy rain to turn a normally dry wash into a dangerous situation.
Forecasters are particularly concerned about flooding in low-lying neighborhoods, washes, creeks, and areas with poor drainage.
Could Arizona See Tornadoes?
While heavy rain is one of the biggest concerns, it's not the only threat.
In its latest outlook issued Tuesday morning, the NOAA Storm Prediction Center warned that severe thunderstorms could produce damaging winds, large hail, and possibly a tornado or two across portions of Arizona, southern Utah, and western New Mexico.
Parts of central and eastern Arizona, including areas near Payson, Winslow, and Show Low, are under a Slight Risk, classified as Level 2 out of 5.
The Phoenix metropolitan area, including Mesa, is generally under a Marginal Risk, or Level 1 out of 5.
Forecasters say atmospheric conditions could support a few supercell thunderstorms, which are rotating storms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and occasionally tornadoes.
That doesn't mean a tornado will happen, but it is something forecasters will be watching closely as the storm system moves through.
When Will the Storms Arrive?
Thunderstorms are expected to begin developing across portions of Arizona on Wednesday afternoon, with activity potentially becoming more widespread into the evening.
For the Phoenix area, the bigger concern will be Wednesday night into Thursday, when heavier rainfall could lead to localized flooding.
Not every neighborhood will necessarily see severe weather, and rainfall amounts could vary significantly from one community to another.
Some areas may experience periods of steady rain, while others could see heavier thunderstorms capable of producing dangerous conditions in a short amount of time.
Residents Urged to Keep an Eye on the Weather
With the possibility of heavy rain and flooding, the National Weather Service is encouraging residents to pay attention to changing conditions.
If you're planning to be out Wednesday night or Thursday, give yourself extra travel time and avoid driving through flooded streets or washes.
Remember, a Flood Watch means flooding is possible, not that it is already happening. Flash Flood Warnings may be issued if dangerous flooding develops.
Residents should also secure loose outdoor items and make sure they have a way to receive weather alerts, especially overnight.
The weather is expected to gradually improve as the system moves out of the region, although some showers and thunderstorms may linger into Thursday night.
For now, forecasters will continue monitoring the storm system as it approaches Arizona.
iSkyNews.com will be following the latest developments and sharing updates from the National Weather Service and NOAA Storm Prediction Center as new information becomes available.
Sources
National Weather Service (NWS)
Flood Watch issued October 20, 2026
https://www.weather.gov/psr/
NOAA Storm Prediction Center (SPC)
Day 2 Convective Outlook — October 20, 2026
https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/
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