A flood watch has been issued across Phoenix and large parts of south-central Arizona for Wednesday, 16 September, as showers and thunderstorms raise the risk of excessive rainfall.
The National Weather Service said the watch would run from midnight until 11pm Mountain Standard Time, covering areas including central Phoenix, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Mesa, Glendale, Avondale, Buckeye, Apache Junction, the Superstition Mountains and parts of Gila and Pinal counties. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=Flood%2520Watch&utm_source=openai))
Forecasters warned that heavy rain could cause flooding in rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying or flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may also become dangerous, while storm drains and washes could fill rapidly.
The Phoenix forecast indicated a strong chance of showers and thunderstorms overnight and into Wednesday, with rainfall totals of up to around a quarter of an inch possible in some areas and higher amounts in thunderstorms. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?FcstType=text&lat=33.557&lg=en&lon=-112.084&unit=1&utm_source=openai))
Residents in areas prone to flooding have been urged to monitor updated forecasts and remain alert for possible flood warnings. The weather service said people should be prepared to take action if flooding develops.
