PEORIA, AZ — Powerful monsoon storms moved through the Valley Thursday night, leaving behind damage in multiple areas and closing some Peoria schools.
The storms knocked out power to thousands of utility customers, downed trees, and snapped power lines over roadways.
Crews have been working in the area of 83rd Avenue and Cactus Road to repair downed power lines. The damage led to road closures near that intersection and several others, according to Peoria Police Department.
#TrafficAlert - Multiple closures due to storm damage & power lines down.
— Peoria Police (AZ) (@PeoriaPoliceAZ) August 19, 2022
- 83rd Ave / Cactus Rd Intersection - All directions
- 91st Ave from Peoria to Grand Ave.
- Cactus Rd from 83rd to 91st Ave
- 79th Ave from Cactus to Peoria Ave
- 79th Ave & Columbine Rd pic.twitter.com/K6h6916Czf
Peoria Unified School District says multiple schools in the area have canceled classes Friday due to the power outage.
The schools impacted include Peoria High School, Peoria Flex Academy, and the MET Professional Academy. Peoria Flex Academy and the MET Professional Academy are on the campus of Peoria High School. Alta Loma, Cheyenne and Peoria Elementary are also canceled Friday.
"The campus does not have air conditioning, lighting or safe access to the school parking lot or buildings. We ask that parents please not send their children to school, even once power is restored. Bus routes will not run to Peoria High School today. Our teachers do not have access to report to campus to pick up supplies necessary to hold school remotely."
Campuses continue to be evaluated.
The Peoria Main Library is also currently without power, but a few other city facilities are available to residents without power:
- Peoria Community Center: 8335 W Jefferson St, Peoria, AZ 85345. (623) 773-7436, www.peoriaaz.gov/communitycenter
- Rio Vista Recreation Center: 8866 W Thunderbird Rd., Peoria, AZ 85381. 623-773-8600, www.peoriaaz.gov/riovista
- Sunrise Mountain Library: 21109 N. 98th Ave., Peoria, AZ, 85382. 623-773-8650, www.peoriaaz.gov/library
Maricopa County Flood Control Districtrecorded rain totals of nearly an inch near 59th Avenue and Indian School Road, more than half an inch near 83rd and Grand avenues, and 0.83” near 7th Street and Union Hills Drive.
More storm activity is expected in the Valley over the next several days.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Monsoon storm chances ramp up Friday, Saturday
Storms that develop across Arizona will be capable of producing heavy rain that could quickly lead to flooding or flash flooding.
A Flood Watch is in effect from Friday morning through Saturday night for most of Arizona.
