Heavy winds down trees

Fallen trees are blocking Maricopa roadways after severe weather hit Maricopa this afternoon. 

A downed tree was blocking part of Butterfield Parkway around 1 p.m. Tumbleweeds were reported bouncing down some Maricopa roads. 

The city’s public safety did not immediately respond for comment on who will clear the roadway of storm debris. 

It’s part of heavy winds and rain rolling through Maricopa. At about 1 p.m., surface winds were about 22 miles per hour with gusts reaching 34 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS considers that a “near gale.” 

By 4 p.m., surface wind is expected to slow down to 16 miles per hour with 20-mile-per-hour gusts.