High Wind — Deer Valley, Arizona

2022-10-03 · Deer Valley, Arizona

Event narrative

Multiple trees down on a neighborhood park near the area of West Jomax Road and I-17 in north Phoenix. Winds were estimated between 55-60 mph. Timing estimated from radar. No injuries were reported.

Wider weather episode

A shortwave trough approaching the area from the west along with moderate levels of instability (MLCAPE 1000 J/KG) and unseasonably high moisture content above the 90th percentile (PWAT 1-1.3) resulted in a favorable environment for the development of strong thunderstorms. A complex of strong thunderstorm activity developed north and west of Phoenix during the early to mid afternoon hours. This thunderstorm complex resulted in a strong outflow boundary, which surged southward across the Phoenix metro area between 1530MST and 1630MST. This strong outflow boundary produced areas of dense blowing dust as well as damaging winds, with widespread wind damage observed across several portions of the Phoenix area. Winds across the area remained elevated for approximately two hours, making the timing of the damages reported unclear. Other more isolated thunderstorm activity developed across the higher terrain east of Phoenix during the mid to late afternoon hours, with one thunderstorm in particular affecting the Gold Canyon area, resulting in flash flooding.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1059758. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.