BlockBefore

Phoenix, Arizona

26 topographic sheets cover this place, the earliest surveyed in 1912 and the latest in 1981. It stands in the Phoenix census division. It lies in ZIP code area 85004. The Survey maps it on the Phoenix quadrangle. 1,608,139 people lived here at the 2020 count. It stands 1,086 feet above sea level.

Research this city

Phoenix within Maricopa County

On record in Phoenix

Buildings and businesses the archive holds for this place. Each opens its own page, with the source record it came from.

On the National Register 12 of 255 shown

Every listing in Maricopa County

Surveyed buildings and structures 12 of 40 shown

Every surveyed structure in Maricopa County

Population over time

2 figures

Phoenix grew from 1,445,632 to 1,608,139 between 2010 and 2020. These are the recorded population figures Wikidata holds for this place, reached through the Geographic Names Information System number this page is keyed on rather than by name, so they belong to this place and not to another of the same name. Most are census counts, but not all are: an early figure may be a founding or settlement estimate, and an estimate published within five years of a census is left out. The change column is computed, and is left blank where more than 20 years separate a figure from the one before it, because a gap that long is not a change between two counts.

YearPeople Change
20101,445,632
20201,608,139+162,507 (+11%)

Topographic sheets covering this place

12 surveys from 26 printed sheets

Matched by testing this settlement's coordinate against the published boundary of every sheet in the United States Geological Survey's historical collection. Each opens the scanned sheet at the Survey.

Photographs

8 of 20 photographs shown, 1940 to 2018

Taken for the Office of War Information and the Farm Security Administration, who photographed the country between 1935 and 1944. Works of United States government photographers, with no known restriction on use. Each opens its catalogue record.

President of the United Producers and Consumers Cooperative. Phoenix, Arizona
President of the United Producers and Consumers Cooperative. Phoenix, Arizona
Lee, Russell, 1940. Library of Congress
The United Producers and Consumers Cooperative maintains an automobile repair shop. In this picture, a worker is repairing a farmer's truck with an electric welder. Phoenix, Arizona
The United Producers and Consumers Cooperative maintains an automobile repair shop. In this picture, a worker is repairing a farmer's truck with an electric welder. Phoenix, Arizona
Lee, Russell, 1940. Library of Congress
City Hall in Chandler, Arizona, a southern suburb of Phoenix, Arizona
City Hall in Chandler, Arizona, a southern suburb of Phoenix, Arizona
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
Member of the United Producers and Consumers Cooperative looking at a lantern in the store of the organization. Phoenix, Arizona
Member of the United Producers and Consumers Cooperative looking at a lantern in the store of the organization. Phoenix, Arizona
Lee, Russell, 1940. Library of Congress
Water bags and canteens, necessities in the arid Southwest, on sale at the United Producers and Consumers Cooperative. Phoenix, Arizona
Water bags and canteens, necessities in the arid Southwest, on sale at the United Producers and Consumers Cooperative. Phoenix, Arizona
Lee, Russell, 1940. Library of Congress
Orchestra playing outside a grocery store on Saturday afternoon which is designed to attract customers to the store, Phoenix, Arizona
Orchestra playing outside a grocery store on Saturday afternoon which is designed to attract customers to the store, Phoenix, Arizona
Lee, Russell, 1940. Library of Congress
Colorful building in Chandler, Arizona, a southern suburb of Phoenix, Arizona
Colorful building in Chandler, Arizona, a southern suburb of Phoenix, Arizona
Highsmith, Carol M, 2018. Library of Congress
Interior of United Producers and Consumers Cooperative Store at Phoenix, Arizona. This cooperative has over 12,000 members
Interior of United Producers and Consumers Cooperative Store at Phoenix, Arizona. This cooperative has over 12,000 members
Lee, Russell, 1940. Library of Congress

Every photograph of Maricopa County

Fires near this place

3,145 since 2001

Regional context, not property-specific evidence. The federal wildfire occurrence database lists 3,145 fires within 5 miles of Phoenix between 2001 and 2020, burning about 303 acres in total. 38 started naturally. 56 were recorded as arson. Distance is straight-line from the map coordinates, so a fire counted here may appear on a neighbouring settlement's page as well.

Reported cause Fires
Missing data/not specified/undetermined3045
Arson/incendiarism56
Natural38
Power generation/transmission/distribution6

The most recent of them, most recent first, with the day each was reported and the service that recorded it.

DateCause SizeReported by Name on the report
9 September 2018Missing data/not specified/undeterminedunder an acrePhoenix Fire Department334604
9 September 2015Missing data/not specified/undeterminedunder an acreArizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management - State Office154835
9 September 2015Missing data/not specified/undeterminedunder an acreArizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management - State Office154836
9 September 2012Missing data/not specified/undeterminedunder an acreArizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management - State OfficeAZ-122598
9 September 2010Missing data/not specified/undeterminedunder an acreArizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management - State OfficeAZ-101904
8 September 2018Missing data/not specified/undeterminedunder an acrePhoenix Fire Department334484
8 September 2018Missing data/not specified/undeterminedunder an acrePhoenix Fire Department333482
8 September 2015Missing data/not specified/undeterminedunder an acreArizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management - State Office154833

Settlements close enough to share some of these fires:

Every fire recorded in Maricopa County

Mines and quarries near this place

10 of 20 shown

Regional context, not property-specific evidence. The federal mineral resources record lists 20 workings within 5 miles of Phoenix: 10 producers, 8 past producers, 1 unknown, 1 plant. 11 still produce. What was taken out: Sand and Gravel, Construction, Gypsum-Anhydrite, Clay. Distance is straight-line from the map coordinates, so a quarry counted here may appear on a neighbouring settlement's page as well.

Where SiteCommodity StatusRecorded
Gold Bond Building Products Div.Gypsum-AnhydriteProducer
Phoenix BrickyardClayPlant
Phoenix PlantGypsum-AnhydriteProducer
Tolleson Clay PitClayProducer
Arizona S&R, Main PlantSand and Gravel, ConstructionProducer
Gravel PitsSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Phoenix S&R, Agua Fria Pit & PlantSand and Gravel, ConstructionProducer
Reeves Pit #1Sand and Gravel, ConstructionProducer
Sand and Gravel QuarrySand and Gravel, ConstructionPast ProducerSand and Gravel
Sand and Gravel QuarrySand and Gravel, ConstructionPast ProducerSand and Gravel

Every working recorded in Maricopa County

Storms near this place

60 of 166 shown

Regional context, not property-specific evidence. The National Weather Service names Phoenix in 166 storm reports between 1993 and 2025: 93 thunderstorm wind, 20 hail, 17 heavy rain, 13 flash flood. The reports record 1 injury. Each account below is quoted exactly as the forecast office filed it, from the NOAA Storm Events Database, and each date opens the federal record of that event.

WhenEvent Place namedHarm What the report says
August 2001Thunderstorm WindPhoenix1 hurt, $30,000Severe thunderstorm wind, possible microburst, destroys mobile home trapping 2 occupants inside the mobile home near 27th Ave and Deer Valley Rd.
August 1996Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$100,000,000no account filed
August 2008Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$20,000,000A trained spotter reported a wind gust of 85 mph at 16th St and Thomas. Widespread damage occurred to homes, businesses and windows knocked out in at least one high-rise. Numerous power poles were taken down, and many trees uprooted. Some damage also occurred at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix.
July 2002Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$20,000,000Microburst winds heavily damaged the Arizona Public Service power sub-station at 7th Ave and Thomas. Widespread damage was reported across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area caused by the storm's high winds and heavy rainfall with up to 2 inches in 90 minutes. Utility companies reported that 22 power poles were downed, leaving at least 47,000 homes and businesses without power electricity for many hours. Homes in Scottsdale and Ahwatukee were struck by lightning and set on fire.
September 1999Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$2,000,000Considerable damaage in NW Phoenix and Peoria due primarily to strong wind.
August 2005Flash FloodPhoenix$1,000,000One of the heaviest rainfall events of the 2005 season struck the greater Phoenix metropolitan. Almost 3 inches of rain fell at many locations in the metro, causing roofs to collapse and streets to flood quickly. Up to 120 residents at the Crystal Creek Apartments in Phoenix were evacuated after 83 apartment units were damaged by flood waters. Additional roof damage was reported at the Scottsdale Community College, and Osco Drug store in Mesa, and a Frys grocery store in Tempe.
August 1999Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$500,000Microburst winds and heavy rain developed over much of north Phoenix around 430 pm. As many as 20 power poles were downed by the high winds, and torrential rain near Rose Garden Lane between 19th and 25th avenues. This left a half-dozen people trapped in their vehicles, but no injuries. At least 17,000 customers were left without power. One motorist escaped injury when steel construction beams were blown onto his vehicle at a freeway construction site at Beardsley and 23rd Avenue. A large moving truck was toppled onto its side by high winds at 19th Avenue and Deer Valley Road..
August 1993Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$500,000The Mountain Gate Mobile Home Park was hit by strong winds from thunderstorms that moved north through the city. Seventy-six units were damaged, with six being destroyed and four having major damage. About 10,000 customers lost power for varying amounts of time.
August 1996Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$500,000no account filed
August 1999Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$300,000Torrential rain, hail and high wind swept through mainly the west Phoenix area. The remnants of hurricane Bret left as much as 2.35 inches of rain in half an hour at 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road. Several sections of a roof at the Desert Sky Mall collapsed due to the microburst wind and rain. No injuries were reported, although several thousand people had to be evacuated. Sections of the roof collapsed just 10 minutes after the evacuations. Numerous power poles were downed between 33rd Ave and 83rd Ave. Department of Public Safety shut down I-10 for about 3 hours after power lines fell. Major street flooding was also reported, and Phoenix firefighters rescued two motorists from flooded washes in the 9000 block of N. 11th Street and 1200 block of E. Cheryl Drive. About 50 flights from Sky Harbor airport were delayed up to 2 hours due to rain and wind..
August 2015Heavy RainPhoenix$200,000The atmosphere over the greater Phoenix area was very moist and unstable on August 31st, and as a result, scattered thunderstorms developed during the evening hours; some of these storms affected downtown Phoenix. The stronger storms produced intense rainfall with peak rain rates in excess of 2 inches per hour. According to an article in the Arizona Republic, heavy evening thunderstorm rainfall caused significant damage to the Phoenix Veterans Medical Center near downtown Phoenix. Hospital spokeswoman Jean Schaefer said that torrential evening rains poured water into the west and south sides of Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center's main building, causing damage in the intensive care unit, the emergency department, inpatient wards and other areas. At least 67 beds were out of service due to the rain damage. The water impact was described as pervasive, affecting most floors in the hospital and about 40 rooms. Schaefer said that a contractor will be tearing out sheet rock and inspecting for mold, asbestos, and other structural issues. The damage forced officials to move dozens of patients, reschedule some medical procedures and cease new-patient admissions. The closed areas of the hospital will not reopen until construction work is completed and inspections are passed.
August 2014Heavy RainPhoenix$200,000Thunderstorms with locally heavy rain developed across the central portion of the greater Phoenix area during the afternoon and evening hours on August 12th; peak rain rates with the heavier showers approached 2 inches per hour at times. The heavy rain led to flood damage at some of the buildings in downtown Phoenix including the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Phoenix Administration Building located at 24th Street and Thomas Road. According to an on-line article posted at the AZFamily.Com website, heavy rain caused the roof of the building to cave in. A number of ceiling panels collapsed, leaving exposed ductwork and wiring. Standing water was left about six inches deep on the floor. Collapsed air-conditioning ductwork was hanging from the ceiling and appeared ready to fall to the ground at any second. Referring to the water damage, a Boys & Girls Club spokeswoman Lariana Forsythe said It's a disaster. Although damage to the building was considerable, nobody was hurt. Another on-line article reported that the Children's Museum of Phoenix was damaged after thousands of gallons of water poured into its atrium during the monsoon storms. The museum, located near Seventh and Van Buren Streets in downtown Phoenix, closed its first floor and three-story climbing structure due to the water damage. The flooding resulted in four inches of water on the main exhibit floor which ruined the carpet. Approximately 1000 carpet squares are needed to replace the damaged flooring, at 50 dollars each.
August 2010Heavy RainPhoenix$200,000Strong thunderstorms with extremely heavy rain led to mutiple collisions on Interstate 10 in downtown Phoenix during the afternoon hours on August 28. A total of 69 vehicles were involved in a series of crashes; one collision alone involved 35 vehicles and spanned over 2 miles from 16th street to 7th street. Trained spotters reported visibilities below one quarter mile in heavy rain in downtown Phoenix, and it was low visibility in heavy rain that led to the collisions. Seven people were taken to area hospitals and two were in serious condition. Fire officials medically evaluated at least 40 people.
February 1995Tornado (F1)Phoenix$200,000A National Weather Service Survey Team concluded a weak (F1) tornado occurred at the General Motors Desert Proving Grounds facility. Moderate damage was observed. A roof was damaged and about 20 vehicles were damaged and moved around. One vehicle was lifted, moved several feet, and set down inside a roped off area containing solar exposure equipment. The tornado moved northeast and lasted about five minutes. Damage was initially estimated around $200,000.
August 2015Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$140,000Scattered thunderstorms moved across the central portion of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area during the evening hours on August 31st, and some of the stronger storms produced gusty and damaging outflow winds which produced damage in the vicinity of the Arizona State Fairgrounds. According to a broadcast media report, at 2016MST outflow winds estimated to be at least 65 mph downed a number of power poles near the intersection of 17th Avenue and Thomas Road. As the poles fell, power lines became draped across some of the houses in the area. The downed poles were located about 1 mile north of the fairgrounds. As reported in the Arizona Republic, the resulting power outage caused a significant loss of food at the St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance; between 50,000 and 60,000 pounds of dairy products stored at St. Mary's facility were lost. The facility was located near 31st Avenue and Thomas Road. According to Jerry Brown, director of public relations at St. Mary's, they are seeking donations to replenish the 100 thousand dollars in lost goods due to the soaring temperatures following the loss of power. Additionally, a trained weather spotter reported that strong winds blew down numerous trees at the intersection of 27th Avenue and Van Buren Street, about 2 miles southwest of the fairgrounds.
July 2007Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$100,000Trees and power lines were downed through parts of Gilbert. Streetlights were also reported to be down due to the winds. Utility poles and at least one large billboard in the East Valley were damaged by winds.
August 2006LightningPhoenix$100,000Lightning caused a fire to 500 tons of hay on the Salt River Indian Reservation.
August 2003Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$100,000no account filed
May 2012Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$70,000Southeast flow ahead of a vigorous upper level low pressure system spread moisture into south central Arizona on May 9th. This led to the development of scattered thunderstorms over the central deserts during the afternoon and early evening hours. A few storms in the greater Phoenix area produced damaging microburst winds, estimated to be 50 knots or higher. According to SRP, a local utility company, the winds downed 9 12-kilovolt poles, most of them in north-central Phoenix. Over 4800 people were without power at the peak of the storms.
July 2005Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$70,000Power lines down in south Phoenix. At the height of the storm, more than 40,000 APS customers were without power. The Phoenix Fire Department responded to 200 calls for service. Two large trees were uprooted at the Wigwam Resort and Golf Club.
July 1999Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$70,000Widespread area of very strong winds, damaged homes and cut power to at least 11,500 customers around the metropolitan area. Trees and limbs were downed. Official winds to 57 mph were clocked at 43rd Ave and lower Buckeye Road. President Clinton, arrived in Phoenix just before the blinding dust storm moved in. There were delays of up to 90 minutes at the airport. Numerous streets were floodedincluding streets in Scottsdale, Laveen, Ahwatukee, and Tatun Blvd. No serious injuries reported.
January 2021Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$60,000A cold front associated with a strong winter storm moved through the central portions of the greater Phoenix area during the early afternoon hours on January 25th. A line of severe thunderstorms developed as the front moved through and they generated gusty and damaging outflow winds. According to a report from the public, at 1355MST gusty winds estimated at 65 mph knocked down two large trees into an apartment complex at 15th Avenue and Camelback Road, just to the east of Interstate 17, causing major structural damage to the apartment and minor damage to a car. At roughly the same time and a few miles to the east, local broadcast media reported that similarly strong outflow winds caused a palm tree to snap at its base and the tree fell onto an apartment complex located near 12th Street and Highland Avenue. The falling palm tree crashed through a second story unit with the single resident and his dog present at the time. Fortunately there were no reports of injuries at either location due to the falling trees. An COVID-19 vaccination site located at the State Fairgrounds sustained minor damage as the strong winds moved through the area.
October 2018Flash FloodPhoenix$50,000Widespread moderate to heavy showers developed across the central portion of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area during the morning hours on October 13th, and the showers continued into the afternoon. The heavy showers impacted the downtown Phoenix area including the Arizona State Fair. Peak rain rates were in excess of one inch per hour and this led to episodes of flooding and flash flooding. According to a report in a local newspaper, flash flooding occurred at the state fair fairgrounds as well as area roads surrounding the fair. Due to the flooded fairgrounds and surrounding roads, the state fair was closed at 1430MST. A Flash Flood Warning was in effect at the time of the flooding. Fortunately there were no reports of accidents or injuries at the fair.
December 2009Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$50,000Several power poles damaged near Van Buren and Central.
July 2002Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$50,000Several trees uprooted and blown across roads and streets in Ahwatukee. Patio roof damaged by winds.
October 2000Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$50,000Thunderstorms developed over a large area of the metropolitan area. Lightning struck the towers on Mummy Mountain and knocked out the Paradise Valley Police Department communication system.Lightning was also blamed on causing a house fire on 35th Avenue and starting tree fires in Scottsdale. High winds were reported at 16th and Roosevelt and at 23rd Avenue and Dobbins where power poles were knocked down. Small hail accompanied these storms.
August 2000Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$50,000A line of thunderstorms formed rapidly over northern Maricopa County and affected many communities from Wickenburg to Carefree. The town of Wittman was especially hard hit as 38 power poles were downed by very high winds. Arizona Public Service also reported 1600 customers lost power.
August 2000Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$50,000Winds blew down power poles and lines. Heavy rain resulted in a large roof collapse at a business near 35th Ave and Bell. Some homes sustained damage. Urban street flooding was also widespread across the northern sections of the city.
May 1994Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$50,000About ten trees, one of which was a 60-foot-tall Eucalyptus tree, were uprooted or snapped in half by a thunderstorm microburst which roared through a condominium complex in far north Scottsdale. Some tiles were ripped off roofs, and a few car windows were also broken. One car was severely damaged when the Eucalyptus tree toppled onto it.
February 1994Tornado (F0)Phoenix$50,000A strong winter storm moved across the state and spawned a tornado in the small town of El Mirage. Damage was mainly limited to roofs, although the tornado was strong enough to move a parked pickup truck about six feet and damaged a metal storage shed.
August 1993Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$50,000One mobile home overturned due to high winds. Several power poles blown down near Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. About 5,000 homes near Sun City were left without electricity.
September 2015Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$40,000Scattered thunderstorms developed across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area during the evening hours, and due to elevated moisture, instability and wind fields the stronger storms produced damaging outflow winds of at least 60 mph. Some of the winds produced damage in downtown Phoenix including the Arizona State Fairgrounds. According to a local broadcast media report, at 1925MST damaging winds blew down 7 power poles near 16th Street and Indian School Road, about 3 miles east of the fairgounds. Associated power lines then fell down and landed on a passing vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
July 2015Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$30,000Strong thunderstorms affected the central portions of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area during the afternoon hours on July 31st; some of the stronger storms produced damaging microburst wind gusts estimated to be over 70 mph in strength. According to local broadcast media, the strong winds blew the roof off of a car wash at 17th Avenue and Buckeye Road. There was additional structural damage noted at the site due to the strong winds. No injuries were reported. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was in effect at the time of the wind damage.
September 2011Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$30,000Isolated to scattered showers developed across the central Arizona deserts during the evening hours on September 24th. No lightning was reported in the greater Phoenix area, however the very dry lower atmosphere allowed strong gusty winds to develop near the showers and associated virga. A local utility company reported that power lines were downed on Sherman Street between 19th Avenue and 23rd Avenue, and resulted in the loss of power to 1100 customers. The damaging winds were sub severe and according to radar estimates and surrounding observations ranged from 40 to 45 mph.
July 1999Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$30,000Power poles damaged at 7th Ave and Fillmore. Numerous water rescues due to flooded streets and washes running. Flights at Sky Harbor airport were delayed about a half hour.
July 2018Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$25,000Thunderstorms developed across the central portion of the greater Phoenix area, including downtown Phoenix, during the afternoon hours on July 9th. Some of the stronger storms generated gusty and damaging microburst type outflow winds, well in excess of 60 mph at times. According to a trained weather spotter located about 2 miles northwest of central Phoenix, at 1645MST outflow winds estimated at 75 mph blew a 25 foot section of roof off of a building. The building was located near north 19th Avenue and west Holly Street. This was just east of Grande Avenue and north of McDowell Road. No injuries were reported due to the damaged building.
September 2015Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$25,000Scattered thunderstorms affected the greater Phoenix metropolitan area during the evening hours on September 14th, and due to elevated moisture, instability, and wind fields, some of the stronger storms produced gusty and damaging outflow winds in excess of 60 mph. According to a local broadcast media report, gusty winds estimated to be at least 65 mph blew down a large palm tree with a diameter of 2 feet. The palm tree then fell upon a parked car. No injuries were reported. The tree fell in central Phoenix near the intersection of Camelback Road and 16th Street. Additionally and at about the same time, a trained spotter 2 miles northeast of downtown Phoenix reported that gusty winds blew off an awning.
August 2003Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$25,000no account filed
July 2022Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$20,000Approximately 7-8 power poles were reported down along the Grand Canal, with many falling toward homes and crashing through cinder block walls. Another cinder block wall was knocked down after a metal shed blew out of the backyard of a home and into the canal. No injuries were reported.
July 2018Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$20,000Thunderstorms with strong, gusty and damaging outflow winds moved across the central portion of the greater Phoenix area during the evening hours on July 30th; some of the stronger storms affected the area north of Camelback Road just east of Interstate 17. At 1940MST multiple public reports were received indicating trees downed in the corridor between Bethany Home Road and Missouri Avenue. One report indicated a large tree downed on 12th Street between Missouri Avenue and Bethany Home Road. A second report indicated that a massive tree was uprooted and downed and when it fell it landed on a home near Bethany Home Road and 12th Avenue. Peak wind gusts in the area were estimated to be as high as 70 mph. No injuries were reported.
August 2007LightningPhoenix$20,000Lightning struck a home near 51st Ave and Indian School Road. No major damage was reported, but a small attic fire was quickly put out.
July 2007Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$20,000Power line downed by high winds. Winds gusted to 55 mph at Sky Harbor airport. While walking in his yard, a man touched the live wire and was electrocuted.
July 2005Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$20,000Winds took down tree branches and damaged a car near Hayden and Thomas Roads.
July 2004Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$20,000Winds damaged buildings and ripped limbs from trees. About 1,800 customers in Phoenix were left without power after power poles and lines were downed by strong winds.
September 2025Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$15,000Several very large trees were uprooted in a neighborhood located in the area of 24th street and Thomas in Phoenix. One tree fell onto the roof of a house, damaging the roof, while another tree fell onto a vehicle. Wind gusts were estimated at around 70 mph. Timing estimated from radar. No injuries reported.
August 2021Flash FloodPhoenix$15,000Interstate-17 was closed in both directions due to significant standing water on the freeway near Indian School Road. Multiple cars also became stalled in the standing water. Interstate-17 was not fully reopened until approximately 0115MST on the 14th. No injuries were reported.
April 2019LightningPhoenix$15,000During the late evening hours on April 29th, a band of showers and isolated thunderstorms pushed east across the central portion of the greater Phoenix area. The convection was developing ahead of an unseasonably strong upper level low pressure system moving through Arizona. Although thunderstorms were isolated, a couple of the stronger storms generated several cloud to ground lightning strikes, one of which struck a home in central Phoenix. According to local broadcast media, at 2220MST a lightning strike hit the roof of a two story home in Phoenix, causing a fire to break out on the roof. The home was located near the intersection of 32nd Street and Campbell Avenue. Fortunately, the Phoenix Fire Department was able to quickly respond to the fire and put out the flames, limiting damage to the home. There were no injuries reported.
August 1999Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$15,000Strong winds blew three large concrete walls down at a construction site near 30th Street and Broadway.Winds kicked up dust and sand which lowered visibility to less than 1/4 mile in many areas.
August 2015Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$10,000Scattered thunderstorms moved across the central portion of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area during the evening hours on August 31st, and some of the stronger storms generated gusty and damaging outflow winds estimated to be in excess of 60 mph. At 2034MST local broadcast media reported that trees were blown down across 7th Street at East Roosevelt Street in central Phoenix. About 20 minutes later, a public report was received stating that strong winds blew down trees along 40th Street between Indian School Road and Thomas Road.
August 2008Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$10,000Power poles down in central Phoenix.
October 1998Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$10,000Winds collapsed a mobile home, and blew the roof off another home on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
September 2023Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$5,000Power lines were snapped in the area of North 17th Street and East Oak Street in Phoenix. Wind gusts were estimated at approximately 65-70 mph. No injuries were reported.
August 2022Flash FloodPhoenix$5,000Video showed I-17 southbound at Indian School Road under about a foot of water with law enforcement having to push a stalled vehicle out. No injuries were reported.
September 2019HailPhoenix$5,000Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms developed across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, including central Phoenix, during afternoon and early evening hours on September 23rd. In addition to the very heavy rain which led to flash flooding, some storms did produce large hail, partially due to rather cool temperatures in the upper atmosphere. According to a report from the public, at 1840MST large hail fell about 5 miles northeast of Phoenix, just west of Highway 51 and south of Bethany Home Road. The diameter of the larger stones was measured at 0.88 inches. The large hail resulted in a broken skylight. No injuries were reported, however.
October 2018Flash FloodPhoenix$5,000Widespread moderate to heavy showers developed across the central portions of Phoenix during the morning hours on October 2nd; the heavy showers were aided by an infusion of deep tropical moisture associated with former hurricane Rosa. The intense rain led to episodes of flash flooding resulting in numerous road closures. At 1018MST local broadcast media reported that 19th Avenue and McDowell Road was closed in both directions due to flash flooding. The flooding was significant enough to cause 2 cars to become stuck in the water. No injuries were reported fortunately. A Flash Flood Warning was issued for the area at 0730MST and was still in effect at the time of the flooding.
July 2017Flash FloodPhoenix$5,000Scattered thunderstorms developed across much of the greater Phoenix area during the evening hours on July 16th, and some of the stronger storms produced locally heavy rain which fell across central portions of Phoenix including the downtown area. Rain rates between one and two inches per hour occurred and this led to flash flooding in downtown Phoenix. Heavy rain had already fallen by 2200MST and at 2229MST a Flash Flood Warning was issued for much central Phoenix. At 2246MST a trained spotter 2 miles north of central Phoenix measured 0.71 inches within 21 minutes. According to the Department of Highways, at 2237MST flash flooding occurred 1 mile northeast of Phoenix in the central downtown area; the 7th Street exit off of Interstate 10 was flooded by the torrential rains. The Flash Flood Warning remained in effect until the early morning hours on the next day.
August 2015Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$5,000Scattered strong thunderstorms moved across the central portion of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area during the evening hours on August 31st, affecting downtown Phoenix. The storms generated gusty and damaging outflow winds estimated to be as high as 70 mph. According to a local broadcast media report, gusty winds blew down a billboard at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Encanto Boulevard, near the Arizona State Fairgrounds. At the same time, broadcast media also reported that trees were blown down across 7th Street at Roosevelt in downtown Phoenix.
July 2014Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$5,000Thunderstorms with gusty and damaging outflow winds developed across portions of the greater Phoenix area during the evening hours on July 3rd. According to a trained weather spotter, wind gusts estimated to be nearly 60 mph produced roof and shingle damage to a residence near McDowell Avenue and State Route 51.
September 2006Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$5,000Thunderstorm winds brought down trees and branches near 16th Street and Greenway.
August 1999Thunderstorm WindPhoenix$5,000Dense blowing dust and blowing sand accompanied strong winds and heavy rain in much of the metropolitan area. At least one air conditioner was blown from a roof in Phoenix. Flights in and out of Sky Harbor airport were delayed by as much as 90 minutes during the height of the storm. Near zero visibility was reported with winds of 45 mph.

Every storm recorded in Maricopa County

Newspapers printed here

144,508 digitised pages

28 papers published in this town, digitised by the Library of Congress and free to read: 14,853 issues, 144,508 pages. Every page is searchable, so a name or a street can be looked for directly in what the town printed about itself at the time.

NewspaperPublished
Arizona Republican1890 to 1930
Arizona Sun1942 to 196?
Arizona Tribune1958 to 197?
El Mensajero1925 to 1945
The Phoenix Index193? to 19??
El Imparcial1937 to 19??
El Imparcial1956 to 19??
Phoenix Tribune1918 to 193?
The Arizona Gleam1929 to 193?
The Weekly Republican1891 to 1892
Arizona Weekly Republican1892 to 1899
El Observador Mexicano189?
Phoenix Weekly Herald1896 to 1899
Salt River Herald1878 to 1879
The Phoenix Herald1879 to 1882
Weekly Phoenix Herald1882 to 1896
Adahooniigii1943 to ????
El Sol1939 to 1981
The Phoenix Jewish News1948 to 1983
Justicia19?? to ????
El Progreso1??? to 19??
La Voz Del Pueblo1950 to 195?
The Voice1948 to 194?
The Voice193?
La Voz Latina De Arizona1936
The Voice Combined With La Voz Latina1936 to 193?
El Ocasional189? to 18??
El Machete1940 to 19??

What the paper printed

126,264 words

Front pages of the local paper, read from the Library of Congress scans: 37 issues spread across its run from 1878 to 1929, 126,264 words in total. Each is reproduced on its own page, exactly as the recogniser returned it.

These pages read less well than anything else here, and the number is worth stating: about three words in four come through cleanly, against nine in ten for the building records. An 1896 broadsheet sets eight-point type in seven columns on microfilm, which is the hardest thing in this archive to read by machine. We tested our own recognisers against the Library's and they were not better, so the Library's text is what appears, with the wholly unreadable columns removed. Read it as a guide to what the paper covered, and follow the link to the scan before quoting anything.

IssuePaper Length
1882-09-22Weekly Phoenix Herald4,872 words
1882-10-13Weekly Phoenix Herald7,426 words
1882-11-10Weekly Phoenix Herald3,164 words
1882-11-24Weekly Phoenix Herald1,702 words
1882-12-15Weekly Phoenix Herald5,377 words
1885-04-02Weekly Phoenix Herald1,194 words
1896-05-07Phoenix Weekly Herald698 words
1896-05-28Phoenix Weekly Herald6,257 words
1896-06-11Phoenix Weekly Herald6,917 words
1896-07-02Phoenix Weekly Herald1,579 words
1896-07-16Phoenix Weekly Herald775 words
1890-05-19Arizona Republican5,729 words
1922-06-29Arizona Republican6,336 words
1878-01-26Salt River Herald2,190 words
1878-04-20Salt River Herald1,341 words
1878-06-22Salt River Herald2,199 words
1878-08-31Salt River Herald2,228 words
1878-11-02Salt River Herald2,296 words
1879-03-01Salt River Herald1,696 words
1879-03-05The Phoenix Herald2,358 words
1879-04-23The Phoenix Herald2,045 words
1879-06-11The Phoenix Herald823 words
1879-07-26The Phoenix Herald2,389 words
1879-09-17The Phoenix Herald3,214 words
1882-09-15The Phoenix Herald6,009 words
1892-05-19The Weekly Republican6,880 words
1892-07-28The Weekly Republican2,184 words
1893-01-19Arizona Weekly Republican5,083 words
1893-02-23Arizona Weekly Republican1,656 words
1929-12-15The Arizona Gleam1,033 words
1902-11-08El Progreso113 words
1918-08-03Phoenix Tribune4,166 words
1918-08-31Phoenix Tribune4,778 words
1918-09-28Phoenix Tribune4,777 words
1918-10-26Phoenix Tribune5,019 words
1918-11-30Phoenix Tribune5,277 words
1918-12-28Phoenix Tribune4,484 words

Nearest settlements

The eight closest, with where each one stands in the county. Distances are straight-line, computed from the Geographic Names Information System coordinates.

Map PlaceDistance Sheets
Estrella Estates Family Park1.6 miles26
Trail Inn Lodge2.7 miles26
South Phoenix2.9 miles26
Bronze Boot3.0 miles26
Rancho Hermoso3.4 miles26
Villa Monte Vista3.8 miles26
Catalina Village3.9 miles27
Capri Village4.0 miles27

Elsewhere

Matched on this settlement's Geographic Names Information System number rather than its name, so it cannot be a different place of the same name in another state.

Wikipedia article on PhoenixAn encyclopaedic summary. Its text is share-alike, so it is linked here rather than copied.
Wikidata item Q16556The structured record the population and elevation above come from. Public domain (CC0).

Provenance

This settlement is recorded in the Geographic Names Information System as feature 44784. The sheet list is computed by point-in-boundary test against the United States Geological Survey's historical topographic inventory. Both are works of the United States government and carry no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105.

Wildfire. Short, Karen C. 2022. Spatial wildfire occurrence data for the United States, 1992-2020 [FPA_FOD_20221014]. 6th Edition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2013-0009.6 Collected with United States Government funding and usable without additional permissions or fees.

Mines and quarries. USGS Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS) https://mrdata.usgs.gov/mrds/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105.

Storms. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105. Narratives are quoted verbatim from the National Weather Service report and are not edited or summarised.