High Wind — Upper Gila River and Aravaipa Valleys, Arizona

2023-02-22 · Upper Gila River and Aravaipa Valleys, Arizona

Event narrative

Guthrie RAWS at 6300 ft MSL recorded several gusts higher than 65 mph and a peak gust of 92 mph at 1203MST. A portable RAWS at 4800 ft MSL near the Galiuro Mountains recorded a gust to 65 mph at 1128MST.

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 1084028. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.