Dust Storm — Parker Valley, Arizona

2022-08-21 · Parker Valley, Arizona

Event narrative

ADOT webcams in Parker showed near zero visibility due to dense blowing dust. No accidents or injuries were reported.

Wider weather episode

Similar to the 20th, thunderstorms once again initiated across the northern Arizona high terrain during the afternoon of the 21st, though more focused along the Mogollon Rim compared to the day prior. Increased steering flow allowed for thunderstorms to move off of the Rim and toward the lower elevations. High instability (MUCAPE 2,000-2,500 J/kg) helped thunderstorms maintain intensity as they travelled toward the lower deserts. Given the greater steering flow, faster thunderstorm motion helped abate flash flood impacts. Greater shear across northwest Arizona allowed an organized complex of thunderstorms to develop during the evening hours before progressing through southwest Arizona and the Lower Colorado River Valley area, producing severe wind gusts and dense blowing dust into the early morning hours on the 22nd. No injuries were reported.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1054626. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.