Severe Storm Damage in Phoenix

The rain was heavy, but the winds were worse. On Thursday, August 28, 2008 we had our worst monsoon storm of the season -- maybe the worst we've had in years -- with 100 mile per hour winds whipping through town. Damage was extensive. Thousands of people were without power, although teams working throughout the day on Friday have restored power to most of the people affected. Here's what I've heard so far.

• Sky Harbor Airport was closed for a while, and used backup power during the night, but it is operating normally now.
• Encanto Park is closed (golf course is open)
• the Enchanted Island Amusement Park sustained significant damage and is closed until further notice.
• the Heard Museum is temporarily closed.
• no animals were hurt, but there was some damage at the Phoenix Zoo. It is open, but some trails may be closed.
• in central Phoenix, many large trees were downed, and some of them have damaged homes as well as the light rail wiring.
• at least one high rise in central Phoenix had their window blown out, and that the building in which Community Information and Referral has their office, near Central Avenue and Encanto Blvd, was heavily damaged. That agency, that supports 24/7 assistance for many Arizonans in need, including operating a homeless shelter, is not providing those critical services tonight.
• the roof of the Regency House condominiums near McDowell Road and Central Avenue was damaged.
• there was damage to some of the windows at the Chase Tower, our tallest building, in downtown Phoenix.
• In Tempe the roof and bubble dome of A.S.U.'s brand new indoor practice facility were torn off.
• the wind knocked over the bronze statue of Air Force pilot Frank Luke at the State Capitol.

Although the situation is serious and financially severe, and there were some injuries relating to falling trees and car crashes, no lives were lost and no fires occurred as a result of the storm.

Have you heard of other Phoenix area closures resulting from the storm damage? Please post them in the "comments" section below.