Peoria was inside a National Weather Service flood watch that ran from Wednesday afternoon, October 21, through Thursday afternoon, October 22. The watch named Peoria and said localized rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour were possible. A watch is a heads-up that flooding could develop. It is not a report that it did.
So far, the rain in Peoria has been light. Flood Control District of Maricopa County gauges in Peoria recorded 0.00 to 0.08 inches in the 24 hours ending 5 a.m. Thursday. October totals at the city’s neighborhood gauges, from Grand Avenue north to Vistancia, ranged from 0.28 inches to 0.59 inches. These are preliminary figures, posted while the watch was still in effect.
Why a flat roof still deserves a look
If your Peoria home has a flat or low-slope section, such as a foam roof over a patio, addition or garage, it depends on water reaching a drain or scupper. This week’s severe thunderstorm warnings for Peoria also described 60 mph gusts, and wind moves leaves and debris onto roofs. A light rain is a good time to see where water collects before a heavier one arrives.
What to check, from a safe spot
- After the rain stops, note where water is still standing and how long it stays. Photos from a second-story window, or from a ladder at the roof edge, are enough.
- Look at scuppers and downspouts. Leaves, palm fronds or gravel at an outlet will hold water back.
- Look for new streaks or dark lines on stucco below scuppers and parapet walls.
- On foam, look for bare spots, blisters or soft areas where the coating has worn thin. Standing water over worn coating is a reason to call.
- Inside, check ceilings under the flat section, especially where it meets the main roof.
Clearing loose debris from an outlet you can reach safely from a ladder is reasonable. Leave walking the roof, cutting into foam, or recoating to a roofer.
What ponding does and does not mean
Some water right after a storm is normal while a roof drains. Water that stays for days points to a low spot, a blocked outlet or a slope problem. That is usually a maintenance item to plan for, not an emergency. Active drips inside are different. Protect the room and get help promptly.
For the hail side of this week’s storms, see our hail roof check guide. If you would like a second set of eyes on a flat or foam section, Apex Roofing Systems offers a free roof inspection for Peoria homes. Call (480) 808-ROOF (7663).
Sources: NWS Phoenix flood watch, Oct. 20 to 22; NWS Phoenix severe thunderstorm warning, Oct. 22; Flood Control District of Maricopa County daily precipitation report, 24 hours ending 5 a.m. Oct. 22 (updated daily); Maricopa County rainfall data.