High Wind — Little Colorado River Valley in Apache County, Arizona

2022-04-22 · Little Colorado River Valley in Apache County, Arizona

Event narrative

The Springerville Airport reported 40 MPH sustained winds and/or wind gusts 58 MPH or higher from around 400 AM to 520 PM MST. The peak wind gust at Springerville was 73 MPH at 335 PM. The Petrified Forest National Park measured a peak wind gust of 69 MPH at 113 PM MST. A large tree was blown over on Main Street in Springerville at 400 PM. A large gooseneck travel trailer was blown over, onto its side and off the road near Springerville at 230 PM. The St Johns Airport had a peak wind gust of 66 MPH at 227 PM. The peak wind gust at Lupton (on Interstate 40) was 62 MPH at 453 PM.

Wider weather episode

A strong upper trough with an associated surface front crossing the region brought strong, gusty southwest winds. An upper jet also moved across the region which only served to bring stronger winds as well. Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 40 to 50 MPH were common.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1018076. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.