In a preview of things to come across the Phoenix area, a supercell thunderstorm with strong winds and hail moved through the East Valley on Tuesday night.
“It’s very important that people be weather aware during the next couple of days because we’re expecting very active weather,” Gabriel Lojero, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Wednesday morning.
With the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms and flash flooding during the next couple of days, here are some safety tips to keep you and those around you safe! pic.twitter.com/cCSIV1hqBZ
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) October 21, 2026
Tuesday night’s storm activity intensified as it moved north through Chandler and Mesa. It dropped more than 0.5 inches of rain in parts of Mesa and also brought rain to north Scottsdale, Anthem and New River.
Hail is not uncommon in Arizona storms this time of year
“We saw several reports of large hail in excess of 1 inch in diameter across these areas. There was also reported wind gusts in excess of 40 to 50 mph,” Lojero said.
9:55PM Radar Update: A dangerous Severe Warned storm is currently moving into the Chandler area and is moving toward portions of Tempe and Mesa. This storm is capable of severe hail and severe wind gusts. There may also be quick accumulating small hail. pic.twitter.com/LRlHQLwzSi…