FOX 10 Phoenix

A few more beautiful, cooler than normal days are ahead for Arizona. A large upper-level low spins across the western United States, including Arizona, throughout Tuesday and into Wednesday. This brings windy weather, a cold front, and additional showers to the state. Wind gusts again may reach 30 to 40-plus mph in the High Country and remain breezy around 10 to 20 mph in Phoenix. Showers will be scattered and light, but should continue to pass Phoenix through the morning. By the afternoon, the scattered showers will remain only over northern and eastern Arizona. In fact, some sunshine will return to the forecast for Phoenix and areas west and southwest. The High Country showers will eventually exit over the Four Corners portion of the state by overnight or early Wednesday morning. Temperatures will remain well below average for the next couple of days. The forecast high reaches just 79 in Phoenix on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. In northern Arizona, morning lows will drop below or near freezing at highest elevation locations, like Flagstaff. It will be sunny beginning Wednesday for the entire state. Sunshine and dry conditions persist through the rest of the work week. However, a disturbance will sink to the southwest between Thursday and Friday. This may churn up a new round of scattered showers over Southern Arizona from Friday into Saturday. For now, it appears the chance for rain in Phoenix is isolated at best—around 10%. The pattern will be beneficial to temperatures, remaining in the low to mid-80s this weekend. You can always check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android. Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds. The following heat safety information was provided by the Scottsdale Fire Department. What are Heat Emergencies? Heat Cramps: Profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps Heat Exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea/vomit, Cool/moist skin Heat Stroke: Elevated temp. +103degrees, confusion/irrational behavior, dry/hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, rapid weak pulse (shock), seizures, unconscious ### What to do - Get person into shade or cool location. - Cool person with cool, wet cloths (neck, groin, armpits, head) and fan body. - Sip cool water if person is alert. - For muscle cramps, massage muscles gently, but firmly until relaxed. - *If symptoms worsen, call 911. ### What not to do - Do not give anything by mouth if person is vomiting, unable to swallow or unconscious. - Do not underestimate the seriousness of a heat emergency. - Prevention/Preparation for hike/exercise in heat. ### Know your limitations - Hydrate (begins day prior to hike/exercise, hour before hike, during and after). - Wear proper clothing, lightweight and light color, protect head, proper shoes. - Always carry a cell phone and best to hike with company. - Always tell someone where you are hiking and when to plan to return. ## Preventing heat exhaustion/heat stroke The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke: - Stay in air-conditioned buildings. - Find a cooling center/hydration station. - Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day). - Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day. - Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside. - Check the UV Index. - Check the heat risk map. ## Road Conditions - Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623) ## Rain/flood safety tips The American Red Cross' tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety: - Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way. - If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. - Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates. - If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly. - Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe. - If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water. - If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting. ## Preparing for a severe thunderstorm The American Red Cross' tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm: - Put together an emergency kit. - Know your community’s evacuation plan. - Create a household disaster plan and practice it. - Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio - Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding. - Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.

Photos showing employees inside Maricopa County’s election tabulation center late Wednesday night prompted questions on social media over the weekend. County Supervisor Mark Stewart says the employees were conducting election-related work. "When things like this pop up, people want answers, and it’s my job to go get those answers," Stewart said. The photos, posted by the Maricopa County Elections Department, show people inside the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center, known as MCTEC, with a time stamp around 10:40 p.m. on Oct. 7. Stewart said he spoke with the county manager, who confirmed the individuals were Elections Department employees following procedures requiring two people to badge in together. According to Stewart, the employee was updating software related to election operations ahead of the long weekend. He said testing was scheduled for this week and the employee wanted to complete the work beforehand. "Obviously, optics on this are horrendous," Stewart said. "The microscope is on Maricopa County for perfect elections." Stewart said there have also been a lot of questions surrounding one of the employees using a USB drive. "The tabulators in that room are air-gapped, which means that they’re not connected to the internet, and so the only way that they could update that software is with a thumb drive, which I know there’s some questions from some folks about that, so that’s why he was in there, it was to update some software," Stewart said. In a statement, the Elections Department said the photos were sent to the department by individuals questioning the legitimacy of the employees’ presence. "These photos may be used on social media to imply wrongdoing. This is not the case," the department said. Stewart said his office will continue looking into the matter. He added that the election's director has invited representatives of all political parties to observe the process. "It comes down to transparency," Stewart said. "It’s important for the county to share as much information as possible, give folks as much access to how the sausage is made to be proverbial here," "This is our Super Bowl this fall," Stewart said, "I feel like we are up to the task. I feel the recorders team is doing a great job, I know our elections team is doing a great job, and politics aside, I feel like we’re going to be able to execute." Stewart said his office is holding a virtual town hall on Oct. 21 to answer election-related questions from the public.

One year after a destructive microburst tore through Tempe, business owners are reflecting on the damage and recovery at a commercial complex near Kyrene Road and Baseline Road. Last year, roofs from adjacent structures were blown into the parking lot, and part of the main roof collapsed. "Outside it was a war zone," said Doug LaLonde, co-owner of True Blue Pools. "I drove from south Tempe to here, and just all the trees down," added co-owner Terry LaLonde. One year later, Terry and Doug LaLonde are reflecting on the microburst that damaged 70 businesses. "It was an amazing storm, like a mini tornado," Doug LaLonde said. Wind speeds topped 70 mph, ripping the roofs off neighboring buildings and tossing them into their business complex. "Heavy roofs were able to be lifted so easily and just strewn about like paper," Doug LaLonde said. While their office suffered minimal damage, Doug LaLonde noted, "Some of the HVAC units were dislodged, so they caused a little bit of leaking." Following the storm, the business complex was fenced off and left without electricity. "So we couldn’t work here," Terry LaLonde said. "We could still get in and out, but we just worked from home at that point and out in the field." ## ‘Still rebuilding today’ While the LaLondes kept their business running, they watched their neighbors struggle with heavier damage. "We managed fine," Terry LaLonde said. "We got through it, and they’re still rebuilding today on the units that got damaged heavily." Now, they are grateful to be fully operational again and respect the power of Arizona storms. "Mother Nature is very unpredictable," Doug LaLonde said. "Occurrences can be just crazy." Landlord and management teams worked with tenants to provide rent relief, and small business owners were able to apply for low-interest loans through the federal government.

Mohave County search and rescue crews carried out multiple swift-water rescues Sunday after torrential rains from Tropical Storm Rachel overwhelmed desert washes, sweeping away an SUV and leaving stranded drivers clinging to hillsides and logs. The life-saving operations unfolded south of Lake Havasu City and near Topock, where sudden flash flooding trapped at least eight people in separate incidents, forcing an Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter to fly in from Phoenix to airlift a group of five stranded twenty-somethings whose vehicle was dragged away by raging waters. ## Two close calls, hours apart That rescue began at 7:45 a.m. Sunday morning after Mohave County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers received an emergency call from a family member of the five young adults. The group — three men and two women — had ventured out Saturday evening to explore near Mohave Wash when their Jeep Grand Cherokee suffered radiator problems, stranding them overnight. While the desert wash was bone-dry when their vehicle broke down, lingering downpours from Tropical Storm Rachel rapidly turned the wash into a violent river, ripping the Jeep from where it stood and washing it away. The group managed to escape to higher ground on foot and take shelter on top of a hill, but by Sunday morning, dead cell phone batteries left them with no way to communicate their coordinates. READ MORE: Barefoot trail in desert leads to missing Mohave County brothers Ground crews from Search and Rescue battled swollen waterways from Standard Wash toward Mohave Wash, facing severe delays as they searched for places safe enough to cross the surging torrents. DPS Central Air Rescue dispatched a helicopter out of Phoenix to assist the ground search. Crew members spotted the group huddled on the hilltop, touched down and flew all five back to the command post unharmed and in good spirits. "We searched the Mohave Wash area for about an hour, checking likely locations, including Dollar Cabin. We found the Jeep about a mile up the wash from the cabin. Even though the rain in Havasu had stopped several hours earlier, the water was still flowing hard in the normally dry wash," said local photographer Todd Taylor, who flew with Havasu Helicopters after the company volunteered to help with the search. "We continued up the wash toward Lake Havasu, hoping the group had gone that way. Soon after, the DPS helicopter arrived, and the missing people were located on top of the mountain." Hours later, emergency responders were called out again around 2:45 p.m. to South Oatman Highway near Topock Lake, where a 67-year-old man and a 37-year-old man in a pickup truck hauling a boat trailer ignored closure barricades and drove straight into a flooded highway. Rushing water trapped the truck between two active washes, forcing the pair to scramble out and sit on a log watching the waters recede until rescuers arrived to help them across to safety. Earlier that day, another driver and his dog had to flee a white Jeep after driving north into the same flooded highway. The close calls prompted a sharp warning from Mohave County officials, who reminded the public that bypassing closed signs endangers both motorists and first responders. Under Arizona’s "Stupid Motorist Law," drivers who intentionally skirt flood barricades and require rescue can be billed up to $2,000 for emergency response expenses on top of any moving violation citations. "These incidents put both the public and responding personnel at unnecessary risk," officials said of the latter rescues. "When you see water on the road or a barricade, turn around and find another route." Search and rescue officials continued, "When recreating in the remote and rugged backcountry of Mohave County, it is important to travel with multiple vehicles in case one becomes stranded. It is also critical to check the weather forecast and understand how storms — especially lingering systems like Hurricane Rachel — can quickly turn dry washes into dangerous, running water. Have a plan for communication if phones lose battery or signal, and let someone know your plans and expected return time." The area where the five twenty-somethings were rescued: Authorities have not released the identities of those rescued or confirmed whether the motorists who bypassed closure barricades will face citations or be billed up to $2,000 for emergency response costs.

An active weather pattern continues for the next couple of days, bringing rain, cooler temperatures, and windy conditions. A large upper level low and associated trough will trigger scattered showers and storms across the state throughout Monday. The best chance for more consistent storms throughout the day is in northern to northwestern Arizona. However, on and off storms will be possible in the Phoenix area today. Areas of southern and eastern Arizona may see more isolated activity until later in the afternoon and evening. Gusts will be up across the state Monday, as well. Peak wind gusts around 30–45 mph are forecast in northern Arizona and 20–30+ mph in Phoenix. Temperatures will react to the scattered storms and cloudy conditions with forecast highs in the low 80s around Phoenix on Monday afternoon. The best chance for rain and storms in Phoenix arrives tonight through tomorrow morning. During this time frame, a large storm system will begin to approach Arizona and begin to swipe along the northern edge of the state. This helps to bring rain around Arizona as gusty winds and cooler air continue to impact the area. Through the day on Tuesday, rain chances will begin to shift east and northeastward. This will allow for sunshine to return to Phoenix by later in the day. The forecast high slips to the upper 70s on Tuesday and Wednesday in Phoenix. By Wednesday, the entire state should dry out and allow for beautiful weather conditions around Arizona. For parts of the High Country, the shifting pattern will help drop overnight lows into freezing territory by midweek. Everywhere turns sunny and dry to end the work week. Forecast high temperatures will rebound into the mid 80s beginning Thursday in Phoenix. The high is expected to remain in the mid 80s through the weekend. You can always check the latest weather conditions by visiting the FOX 10 Phoenix weather page, or download the Free FOX 10 Weather app, which is available on Apple iOS and Android. Scroll down this page for satellite and radar, day planner, records, current temperatures, 10-day forecast, forecast highs, and recent rainfall totals, plus live video feeds. The following heat safety information was provided by the Scottsdale Fire Department. What are Heat Emergencies? Heat Cramps: Profuse sweating, fatigue, extreme thirst, muscle cramps Heat Exhaustion: Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea/vomit, Cool/moist skin Heat Stroke: Elevated temp. +103degrees, confusion/irrational behavior, dry/hot skin, rapid shallow breathing, rapid weak pulse (shock), seizures, unconscious ### What to do - Get person into shade or cool location. - Cool person with cool, wet cloths (neck, groin, armpits, head) and fan body. - Sip cool water if person is alert. - For muscle cramps, massage muscles gently, but firmly until relaxed. - *If symptoms worsen, call 911. ### What not to do - Do not give anything by mouth if person is vomiting, unable to swallow or unconscious. - Do not underestimate the seriousness of a heat emergency. - Prevention/Preparation for hike/exercise in heat. ### Know your limitations - Hydrate (begins day prior to hike/exercise, hour before hike, during and after). - Wear proper clothing, lightweight and light color, protect head, proper shoes. - Always carry a cell phone and best to hike with company. - Always tell someone where you are hiking and when to plan to return. ## Preventing heat exhaustion/heat stroke The Arizona Department of Health Services stated the following precautions can be taken to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke: - Stay in air-conditioned buildings. - Find a cooling center/hydration station. - Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day (mid-day). - Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day. - Drink water before, during, and after working or exercising outside. - Check the UV Index. - Check the heat risk map. ## Road Conditions - Call 511 anywhere in Arizona or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623) ## Rain/flood safety tips The American Red Cross' tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety: - Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way. - If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. - Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates. - If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly. - Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe. - If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water. - If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting. ## Preparing for a severe thunderstorm The American Red Cross' tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm: - Put together an emergency kit. - Know your community’s evacuation plan. - Create a household disaster plan and practice it. - Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio - Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding. - Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.