High Wind — Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona

2023-02-22 · Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona

Event narrative

A Desert Research Institute station at 6800 ft MSL in the Chiricahua Mountains measured a gust to 65 mph at 1020MST and 66 mph at 1410MST.

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 1084029. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.