Thunderstorm Wind — Santa Cruz, Arizona

2023-08-21 · near Madera Canyon, Santa Cruz, Arizona

Event narrative

A gust to 59 mph was recorded at the Hopkins RAWS at 1833MST.

Wider weather episode

Scattered thunderstorms developed and moved northwest across southeast Arizona during the afternoon and evening. Wind damage took place in Whetstone and also at Saguaro National Park West where hundreds of saguaros were downed or damaged. Large hail occurred in south and central Tucson, damaging an elementary school. Moderate rain from a subsequent thunderstorm leaked into the building, causing ceiling tile damage.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (31.6800, -110.8800)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1129889. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.