The East Valley is under a severe thunderstorm warning until 4 p.m., and a dust storm warning until 5 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
The thunderstorm warning was issued for east-central Maricopa County and northwestern Pinal County. At about 3:13 p.m., meteorologists detected a severe thunderstorm capable of damaging winds in excess of 60 mph near Chandler. The storm was moving north at 15 mph, according to the weather service.
Heavy rain is accompanying this storm and could result in localized flooding.
The dust storm warning affects portions of south Chandler and south Gilbert near the south loop of the 202 with visibility below one-fourth of a mile. Dense blowing dust will create hazardous driving conditions.
If you encounter blowing dust or sand, pull off the road as far as possible and put your vehicle in park. Turn the lights off and keep your foot off the brake pedal, the weather service says.
Carolyn posted at 4:52 pm on Thu, Jul 29, 2010.
In Mesa, we got a few sprinkles. Nothing more. The storm was far south of us. In other words, the severe thunderstorm warning was - as usual - a HOAX. As for Chandler being part of the East Valley, that, too, is a hoax. It is part of the SOUTHeast valley.