Severe thunderstorms and blowing dust are forecasted tonight in Maricopa, according to the National Weather Service. 

“The best chances right now are going to be down by Tucson, but by this evening at 6 p.m., chances will increase for the Maricopa area to 30% or 40% chances for thunderstorms,” NWS Phoenix meteorologist Matt Salerno told InMaricopa at 11:15 a.m. 

He said there’s the same chance for scattered thunderstorms in the areas surrounding Maricopa. 

“Those thunderstorms could definitely produce some strong wind gusts, which could create some blowing dust,” Salerno said. 

The NWS issued a severe thunderstorm watch and dust storm warning for Maricopa from 3 p.m. through 7 p.m., when residents can expect visibility of a mile or less, according to Salerno. 

Salerno recommended drivers pull over if there is low visibility and be aware of flash flooding.  

“There could be a storm that reaches Maricopa, but it also may miss Maricopa,” Salerno said. “So, just depending on where the storms impact the area the most, there could be, again, heavy rainfall or gusty winds up to 40 miles per hour.”