Severe storm sweeps through Phoenix, damaging airport

PHOENIX - A short but intense storm snapped trees and shrouded metropolitan Phoenix in cascading showers on Saturday.

The skies above downtown Phoenix were completely gray in the afternoon as strong winds, thunder and a cascade of rain hit the region. The outside visibility of buildings was almost entirely obscured by rain and clouds.

The pounding intensity of the rain lasted for an hour before devolving into light showers.

The storm damaged Terminal 2 at Sky Harbor International Airport, reports CBS Phoenix affiliate KPHO.

Meanwhile, branches and debris littered streets around town and at least one traffic light was knocked over. Some trees were toppled by the ensuing wind.

According to SRP, more than 14,000 customers are currently without power because of storm activity. Most of the outages were relegated to west and northwest Phoenix. Smaller clusters of outages were reported in Scottsdale, Mesa and Tempe. The utility estimated power would be restored within the next two hours.

Between ½ inch and 1 inch of rain is expected with more in localized spots, National Weather Service meteorologist Marvin Percha said.

Percha says the weather is a mix of Phoenix's first fall storm and leftover monsoon moisture and will clear up by the evening.

Meanwhile, Flagstaff residents have already seen some showers, thunder and lightning this morning.

The Weather Service also says nickel-sized hail was reported near Yarnell.

Meteorologist Cory Mottice says storms will bring widespread rain later in the day and there is concern about flooding.