The Hotel Westcourt Severe Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories
FLOOD WARNING
Begins: 1:24 PM Sun, Oct 12, 2025
Expires: 4:30 PM Sun, Oct 12, 2025
* WHAT...Small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...A portion of south central Arizona, including the following county, Maricopa. * WHEN...Until 430 PM MST. * IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 121 PM MST, gauge reports indicated an increase in flow in Waterman Wash, which will inundate downstream low waster crossings. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Goodyear and Buckeye. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
FLOOD WARNING
Begins: 12:51 PM Sun, Oct 12, 2025
Expires: 4:00 PM Sun, Oct 12, 2025
* WHAT...Urban area and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Portions of south central and southeast Arizona, including the following counties, in south central Arizona, Maricopa. In southeast Arizona, Pinal. * WHEN...Until 400 PM MST. * IMPACTS...Multiple flood control streamflow gauges remain above alarm stage. Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 1251 PM MST, gauge reports indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. Flooding is already occurring in the warned area. - This includes the following streams and drainages... Queen Creek. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport, San Tan Village Mall, Seville, Chandler Heights, Superstition Springs Mall, Higley and Santan. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
FLOOD WATCH
Begins: 12:14 PM Sun, Oct 12, 2025
Expires: 8:00 PM Mon, Oct 13, 2025
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of south central Arizona, including the following areas, Aguila Valley, Apache Junction/Gold Canyon, Buckeye/Avondale, Cave Creek/New River, Central Phoenix, Deer Valley, East Valley, Fountain Hills/East Mesa, Gila Bend, North Phoenix/Glendale, Northwest Pinal County, Northwest Valley, Scottsdale/Paradise Valley, Sonoran Desert Natl Monument, South Mountain/Ahwatukee, Southeast Valley/Queen Creek, Tonopah Desert and West Pinal County. * WHEN...Through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Showers and thunderstorm capable of producing high rainfall rates that can lead to flash flooding. Additional rainfall totals as high as 0.5 to 2 inches with locally higher amounts possible will be possible once again later tonight through Monday evening. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
What is the difference between a weather warning, watch and advisory?
The National Weather Service issues alerts in different categories to indicate the severity of storms and if the public should take immediate action to prevent the loss of life or property or be aware of the potential of the same.
Weather Warning
A weather warning is issued when severe weather conditions are occuring or imminent and there is danger to life and/or property. The warning will include what action should be taken including evacuation or shelter in place and should be heeded immediately. Warnings are usually issued for a small, specific area and for a definite period of time.
Weather Watch
A weather watch is an alert issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather. A weather watch means that severe weather is possible in the area, so it is important to stay tuned to the latest forecasts and be prepared for potential storms.
The purpose of a weather watch is to provide advance warning to people in the affected area so that they can take necessary precautions. It is important to remember that a weather watch does not mean that severe weather will definitely occur, but simply that there is a higher chance of it happening.
If you live in an area where severe weather is common, it may be wise to have a plan in place for what you will do if a storm hits. Make sure you have plenty of food and water stored, as well as flashlights, batteries, and other supplies. You may also want to consider evacuating if necessary.
Weather Advisory
An advisory means the conditions are likely to occur. These are typically used for less severe weather events like frost or winds but can be used for other types of severe weather.
What is a Red Flag Warning?
A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service to inform the public, firefighters, and land management agencies that conditions are ideal for wildland fires and any fire which does start could spread rapidly. These are often issued after drought conditions, when humidity is very low and especially when there are high or erratic winds. The possibility of lightning is also a determining factor. Fire fighting agencies often will increase their staffing and equipment resources due to the forecast risk. For the public, a Red Flag Warning often means high fire danger leading to restrictions or bans on outdoor burning including burn piles, burn barrels and campfires. Use of anything which may produce sparks, including outdoor lawn equipment, chainsaws and welding, may be restricted or prohibited.
The weather criteria for fire weather watches and red flag warnings vary with each Weather Service office’s warning area based on the local vegetation type, topography, and distance from major water sources. They usually include the daily vegetation moisture content calculations, expected afternoon high temperature, afternoon minimum relative humidity and daytime wind speed.
An enhanced version of the warning, called extreme red flag warning, may be issued. This means that conditions for fire growth and behavior are extremely dangerous due to a combination of strong winds, very low humidity, long duration, and very dry fuels.
