Halloween Rain Triggers Ground Stop at Phoenix Sky Harbor
Record-keeping shows only 12 instances of rain on October 31 in Phoenix since 1890, but the current downpour has saturated the ground and forced airport closures.
By Fatima Saleh ·
A rare downpour on Halloween caused operational disruptions across the Phoenix Valley on Sunday morning. The weather event forced a ground stop for arriving flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport just before 9 a.m. The rain, which began Friday and continued through Saturday, left roads flooded and the ground saturated.
Meteorological data indicates this is only the 12th time in recorded history that it has rained on Halloween in Phoenix. Record-keeping for the area dates back to 1890. Rainfall totals accumulated rapidly in both the East and West Valley over the weekend. The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for the greater Phoenix area that remains active through Monday morning.
Forecasters predict one or two additional inches of rain are possible on Sunday. The agency warned that flooded areas exist throughout the valley. Arizona Department of Transportation officials urged drivers to avoid driving through standing water. The Flood Watch will end Monday morning, though runoff in washes may cause some road closures in the area.
Temperatures will drop sharply following the rain. Officials expect drier conditions starting Monday afternoon. The average high temperature for this time of year is 83 degrees. Residents can expect highs well below that figure for the start of the work week. Temperatures are projected to remain in the 70s through Friday.
Source: KTVK
