High Wind — Southeast Pinal County, Arizona

2023-02-22 · Southeast Pinal County, Arizona

Event narrative

A peak wind gust of 61 mph was recorded at Horse Camp Canyon RAWS at 1002MST.

Wider weather episode

An anomalously intense low pressure system for February caused very strong winds across southeast Arizona resulting in damage such as roof damage, downed trees, power poles and communication antennas. The Tucson International Airport recorded its strongest February wind gust (51 MPH) in at least the past 50 years. Elsewhere, especially across Cochise, Santa Cruz, Graham and Greenlee Counties, wind gusts in excess of 60 mph were common in valleys with gusts higher than 70 mph at higher elevations. A 92 mph gust was recorded at the Guthrie RAWS. The combination of the strong winds and snow (6 to 12 in the mountains) resulted in blizzard-like conditions at times above 7000 feet.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1084002. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.