Peoria is recovering from a strong storm last night that today has left power lines down, street lights out and some schools cancelled.
A power outage is currently impacting the area between 75th and 91st avenues and Cactus Road and Olive Avenue as a result of a microburst last night that caused damage in the area.
Officials said the outage could last into the weekend for some who live in the area.
APS spokeswoman Lily Quezada said damage is more extensive than expected, with at least 56 power poles down in that area, many of them with additional equipment attached.
She said crews have been working since last night, assessing the damage as well as working on repairs.
She also advised residents to be safe around electricity. If you see a downed power line, stay at least 100 feet away, call 911 and then call APS, 800-253-9405, she said.
"I also advise residents to pay attention to our ourtage map," she said.
Peoria Police officials say they are working multiple road closures due to storm damage and power lines and poles down in the roadway.
Those closures include:
83rd Avenue/Cactus Road intersection - all directions - this will be an extended closure.
91st Avenue from Peoria to Grand avenues.
Cactus Road from 83rd to 91st avenues.
79th Avenue from Cactus Road to Peoria Avenue.
79th Avenue and Columbine Road.
Officers are advising mortorists to please drive carefully and use alternate routes.
APS initially stated the power outage could last several days, but has now revised to a return of power later this afternoon.
However PUSD spokeswoman Danielle Airey said even with power, not all campuses are safe for school today, with no air conditioning, lighting or safe access to some school parking lots or buildings.
She said school is cancelled today at Peoria High School, Peoria Flex Academy and the MET Professional Academy. Peoria Flex Academy and the MET Professional Academy are on the campus of Peoria High School.
Peoria Unified has also canceled school at Cheyenne, Alta Loma and Peoria elementary schools.
The cancelations and delays have impacted more than 1,800 students.
The district is asking that parents not send their children to those schools, even once power is restored.
"Bus routes will not run to Peoria High School today," she said. "Our teachers do not have access to report to campus to pick up supplies necessary to hold school remotely."
District officials are evaluating other nearby campuses, including the elementary schools in the area, and will send additional notifications prior to campus start times, Airey said.
Meet Philip Haldiman is an award-winning journalist who most recently took first place for investigative reporting in 2023 from Arizona Newspapers Association. He joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2015, covering Sun City West his first year. Since 2016, he has covered the city of Peoria. Prior to coming to INI, he was a reporter with The Arizona Republic for seven years, covering numerous cities throughout the Valley. Before that, he was a freelance writer.
Community: Haldiman spearheads the Peoria Independent Hometown Heroes Awards program, honoring local individuals and businesses that give back to the community. He has hosted local candidate forums over the years and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. Haldiman also served as a member of the Journalism Program Community Advisory Board at Glendale Community College. Outside journalism, Haldiman served as a member of the city of Peoria Complete Count Committee for the Census, 2019-2020. Lastly, he has served as a member of his HOA governing board since 2021.
Education: Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications and a BA in Theater.
Random Fact: Haldiman is a fourth-generation Arizonan as well as wrote and produced an autobiographical comic book about his time spent in Hollywood and his life as a cult film star.
Hobbies: He enjoys hiking Arizona’s mountainous landscapes and is currently working on a play for the stage.
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