Storms are still working their way through the Valley, and the wind is doing what wind does best: making everything slower, louder and more annoying than it needs to be.
Weather officials said storms were expected to continue through the morning Sunday before becoming more isolated in the afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service for Phoenix said remnants of Tropical Cyclone Rachel hit metro Phoenix Saturday night and early Sunday morning, then moved on to south Nevada. Even after that, bands of rain were still expected to keep moving through the region, bringing a modest amount of moisture.
A wind advisory remained in place until 5 p.m. Sunday, with strong, gusty winds expected to continue through the day before subsiding after sunset. Meteorologist Ted Whittock told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Saturday that winds were expected to peak in the early afternoon, with speeds of 20 to 25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph. The weather authority also warned residents about difficult driving conditions and blowing dust, which is the Valley’s least charming seasonal accessory.
The weather was also causing problems at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration had previously issued a ground stop because of wind, and even after that stop was lifted, the airport was still dealing with an 83-minute ground delay. At 2:15 p.m., the airport’s website showed 278 flights delayed and 17 canceled.
Rain totals were also adding up in different parts of the Valley. As of 9:30 a.m., Sky Harbor had received 0.26 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service, which uses the airport for its official readings. Over the last 24 hours, the West Valley saw anywhere from 0.04 to 0.31 inches, while the East Valley recorded 0.12 to 1.22 inches.
So yes, the storm is still here, the wind is still rude, and Sky Harbor is still paying the price. That’s the kind of weather report that makes everyone check the sky, the road and the departure board in the same breath.
