Key facts
- Alert
- Flash Flood Warning (severe)
- Issued by
- National Weather Service, Phoenix AZ
- Areas
- Maricopa, AZ
- Places
- New River, Cave Creek, Anthem
- In effect
- until 8:30 PM MST, Oct 30, 2026
- Damage threat
- Considerable
- Detection
- Radar and gauge indicated
What the National Weather Service says
“Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”
NWS Phoenix AZ, Flash Flood Warning, 6:18 PM MST Oct 30, 2026 · official alert
“Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.”
NWS Phoenix AZ, Flash Flood Warning, 6:18 PM MST Oct 30, 2026 · official alert
“IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.”
NWS Phoenix AZ, Flash Flood Warning, 6:18 PM MST Oct 30, 2026 · official alert
What to do
Do not drive into flooded roads. The National Weather Service says most flood deaths occur in vehicles. If you meet water over the road, turn around and find another route.
Never drive around barricades. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
If you are near a creek, stream, underpass or low-lying road, move to higher ground. Stay aware of your surroundings while the warning is in effect.
Check the National Weather Service for updates, since the warning runs until 8:30 PM MST and conditions can change.
Context
The warning covers New River, Cave Creek and Anthem, and includes parts of AZ Route 74 between mile markers 23 and 30, AZ Interstate 17 between mile markers 217 and 226, and AZ Route 303 between mile markers 127 and 136.
FEMA records show 2,643 flood-insurance claims in Maricopa County from 1978 to 2026, as of September 9, 2026. These count only insured properties, so they understate total flood losses. FEMA also issued a disaster declaration (number 4203) for severe storms and flooding on November 5, 2014.
Updates
- The National Weather Service updated the flash flood warning; it remains in effect until 8:30 PM MST.
- NWS Phoenix AZ issued the flash flood warning until 8:30 PM MST.
History here
Maricopa County: 2643 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1978, most recent 2026.
Maricopa County: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-4203 (2014): severe storms and flooding
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Questions
- Is there a flash flood warning in Maricopa County, Arizona?
- Yes. The National Weather Service in Phoenix issued a Flash Flood Warning for Maricopa County at 5:24 PM MST. It is in effect until 8:30 PM MST on October 30, 2026.
- Which places and roads are affected by this flash flood warning?
- The National Weather Service named New River, Cave Creek and Anthem. It also listed AZ Route 74, AZ Interstate 17 and AZ Route 303 in specific mile marker stretches.
- How much rain has fallen, and how serious is the flooding?
- Radar and gauges indicated 0.5 to 1.25 inches of rain has fallen, with up to 0.5 inches more possible. The National Weather Service describes the flash flooding as life threatening and ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
Sources
- NWS Phoenix AZ: Flash Flood Warning, Oct 30, 2026 weather.gov
- FEMA OpenFEMA: NFIP claims and disaster declarations fema.gov
How this page is made. The Herebeat Hazard Desk builds event pages from official U.S. government data (National Weather Service, USGS, FEMA). The text is written with AI from that data; every number and quote is checked against the official source automatically before publishing, and the page is updated when the agency updates the event. The official source is always the reference. Spotted a mistake? info@herebeat.app. About the Hazard Desk.