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PHOENIX (AP) — Monsoon storms hit the Phoenix area Monday night that knocked out power to thousands, slowed air travel, and stranded motorists in flash floods.
The storms began moving through the area around sundown with high winds, lightning and heavy rain.
Officials say there were no immediate reports of deaths or serious injury.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport says takeoffs and landings were suspended for more than an hour, a terminal roof was damaged, and part of a shuttle train's operation was temporarily halted.
Fire officials say crews received more than 400 calls in a two-hour period — a record number.
Among them were flash flooding on roadways that prompted the rescue of numerous stranded motorists, widespread car crashes, and reports of downed power lines and fires.
The Arizona Republic reports about 55,000 customers lost power; and more than an inch of rain fell on some areas in an hour.
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