More storms expected this weekend after flash flood warnings in metro Phoenix

Fronteras Desk

UPDATE: Flooding leaves 3 dead in Globe as Arizona governor declares state of emergency

Associated Press

Three people died after rain inundated Globe, a city of about 7,250 people about 88 miles east of Phoenix, Carl Melford, emergency manager in Gila County, said. Two people were found in a vehicle and another in the floodwaters, he said. They were not immediately identified by authorities.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected across the Valley on Saturday and Sunday after some areas saw a deluge Friday.

Scattered thunderstorms with possible hail and flash flooding were predicted Friday across metro Phoenix. Arizona Department of Transportation cameras showed cars stuck in flooding near Interstate 10 and Buckeye Road on Friday afternoon.

The Arizona State Fair said on Facebook Friday that the event would be closed due to the weather.

"Some of them could be quite strong with even some hail and gusty winds but really the big threat is flash flooding. So we do have a flood watch out throughout the early evening hours for the threat of flash flooding, said National Weather Service meteorologist Tom Frieders.

Frieders says the East Valley faces the greatest risk for floods. Storms will linger but will diminish in strength over the weekend, and the Valley is expected to dry out next week.

Chelsey Heath/KJZZ

"Not expecting it to be quite as strong on Saturday," said Frieders. "And then still some isolated showers and thunderstorms around the area even into Sunday before we start to turn dry next week."

Temperatures are forecast to be in the mid- to low-90s throughout the weekend.

National Weather Service forecast for metro Phoenix

Saturday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind around 5 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon. In the evening, a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming north in the evening.

Sunday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11 a.m. Sunny, with a high near 89. East wind around 5 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. In the evening, mostly clear, with a low around 71. Calm wind.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 92. East northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south southeast in the afternoon. In the evening, mostly clear, with a low around 72. Calm wind.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 94. East wind around 5 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. In the evening, mostly clear, with a low around 71. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 95. East wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. In the evening, clear, with a low around 71. Calm wind.