Thunderstorm Wind — La Paz, Arizona

2023-07-27 · near Vicksburg, La Paz, Arizona

Event narrative

Approximately 9 tractor trailer rigs were blown over along I-10 near Vicksburg Rd in Vicksburg Junction. This occurred at two to three locations from milepost 41 to milepost 47 with both directions of traffic affected - especially westbound. Time estimated from first 911 call and radar. Wind gusts were estimated at 60 mph. According to a local news report, five people were hurt with two of them sustaining serious injuries.

Wider weather episode

An isolated severe thunderstorm developed near I-10 in Vicksburg Junction in southwest Arizona during the late afternoon hours on the 27th, resulting in multiple tractor trailers being blown over along I-10 between mile posts 41-47. The environment the thunderstorm developed under was characterized by MLCAPE of approximately 500 J/KG along with DCAPE of approximately 2000 J/KG, more than sufficient to result in strong downburst winds.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (33.6309, -113.7680)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1121445. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.