Phoenix Storm Warning Cites 60 mph Winds and Quarter Size Hail

Severe thunderstorms threatened the Phoenix metropolitan area on Tuesday night, October 20, 2026, prompting the National Weather Service in Phoenix to issue warnings for Maricopa and Pinal counties. Forecasters warned of wind gusts reaching 60 mph, hail up to 1 inch in diameter, torrential rainfall and potential flash flooding.

The initial warning was issued at 9:49 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, with the storm system moving northeast across the region. According to the National Weather Service, radar indicated dangerous conditions capable of damaging vehicles, roofs, siding and trees.

The weather service urged residents to take shelter inside sturdy buildings, remain away from windows and avoid driving through flooded roads. Officials also advised people to report severe weather to local law enforcement or the National Weather Service office in Phoenix.

In its safety advisory, the National Weather Service emphasized the combined risks of damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain.

"Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows. This storm is capable of producing damaging winds and large hail. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to flash flooding.

Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Report severe weather to your nearest law enforcement agency or the National Weather Service office in Phoenix AZ." the National Weather Service said.

At 10:49 p.m. MST, forecasters located a severe thunderstorm over Goldfield Ranch, approximately 6 miles east of Fountain Hills, moving northeast at 30 mph. Radar indicated wind gusts of 60 mph and quarter-size hail, with potential damage to vehicles, roofs, siding and trees.

The affected locations included Fountain Hills, Sugarloaf Mountain, Goldfield Ranch, Rio Verde, the Salt River Tubing Recreation Area, Saguaro Lake and Fort McDowell.

An earlier weather service update issued at 10:38 p.m. reported a severe thunderstorm near Falcon Field Airport, about 5 miles north of Mesa, moving northeast at 25 mph. The warning for Maricopa County was set to remain in effect until 11:15 p.m. MST, with the same forecast hazards of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.

That storm threatened Mesa, east Mesa, Fountain Hills, Goldfield Ranch, Rio Verde, the Salt River Tubing Recreation Area, Granite Reef Dam, Saguaro Lake, McDowell Mountain Park, Usery Mountain Park and Fort McDowell, among other locations.

At 10:09 p.m. MST, another storm was located near Fiesta Mall, approximately 5 miles east of Tempe, moving northeast at 35 mph. The weather service warned that half-dollar-size hail and 60 mph wind gusts could damage vehicles, roofs, siding and trees.

Potentially affected communities and sites included Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, the Salt River Indian Community, Arizona State University, Falcon Field Airport, Freestone Park, Tempe Marketplace, Gilbert City Hall and Chandler City Hall.

The initial warning covered Maricopa County in south-central Arizona and Pinal County in southeastern Arizona until 10:30 p.m. MST. At 9:49 p.m., radar placed a severe thunderstorm about 6 miles southwest of Chandler Fashion Center Mall, or 6 miles west of Sun Lakes, moving northeast at 35 mph.

The warning identified possible 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. Areas at risk included Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Paradise Valley, Sun Lakes, Papago Park, downtown Scottsdale and Arizona Mills Mall.

The weather service also identified portions of several highways within the warning area: Arizona Route 87 between mile markers 161 and 170, Arizona Route 202 between mile markers 10 and 19, Arizona Route 101 between mile markers 39 and 48, U.S. Highway 60 between mile markers 173 and 182, Interstate 10 between mile markers 151 and 160, and Arizona Route 347 between mile markers 185 and 189.

A severe thunderstorm warning indicates that a storm is occurring or imminent and may produce winds of at least 58 mph, hail measuring 1 inch in diameter or larger, or both. Arizona experiences its highest frequency of thunderstorms during the monsoon season, which runs from June 15 through September 30, although storms can occur throughout the year.

Safety guidance from the weather service recommends going indoors as soon as thunder is heard, avoiding windows, electronics and plumbing during storms, and bringing pets inside. Outdoor activities should resume only after 30 minutes have passed since the storm moved away. Residents are also advised to secure loose outdoor objects when conditions allow, as strong winds can turn them into dangerous debris.