View of the storm from our news helicopter
Roof collapses at Mesa mobile homeAHWATUKEE, AZ (CBS5) -
A roof collapsed at one Mesa mobile home during the height of a powerful thunderstorm that plowed through parts of the east Valley early Monday evening.
The homeowner was inside at the time and escaped injury, firefighters said. Mesa fire Capt. Mark Jaconelli said another home nearby also sustained damage.
Nearly 1 1/2 inches of rain fell in 45 minutes in parts of the east Valley as isolated thunderstorms roamed the region.
Ahwatukee and Chandler were among the communities getting the brunt of it, with strong thunderstorms and winds forecasted to gust between 40 to 50 mph.
Investigators said the roof of a nearby home blew off in the wind and destroyed the second home. Mesa firefighters have deemed the home uninhabitable. CBS 5 spoke with the woman who was inside. She said she was frightened but uninjured.
A flood warning was in effect until 9:15 p.m. for east central Maricopa County and included the communities of East Mesa, Mesa and Gilbert. There was a threat excessive runoff from heavy rainfall would cause flooding of normally dry washes and creeks, streets, underpasses and detention basins affecting some community parks.
CBS 5 Chief Meteorologist Chris Dunn said .35 inches of rain fell in 30 minutes from an isolated thunderstorm near the intersection of Loop 202 and Interstate 10.
The Flood Control District gauge near Higley and Broadway measured 1.26 inches of rainfall from 7:16 p.m. to 8:01 p.m.
Very heavy rainfall may cause temporary ponding on some roads and minor flooding of poor drainage areas. The main threat for motorists is hydroplaning.
At 8 p.m., Salt River Project reported 3,500 customers without power.
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