High Wind — Grand Flat and Arches, Utah

2024-05-20 · Grand Flat and Arches, Utah

Event narrative

Wind gusts across the zone ranged from 45 mph to near 60 mph. The peak wind gust of 59 mph was recorded at the KCNY ASOS at the Canyonlands Airport, north of Moab. This was the only wind gust to be recorded above 58 mph.

Wider weather episode

A deepening trough over the Pacific Northwest phased with a potent shortwave over the Baja Peninsula, pulling a strong jet northeastward toward the Four Corners. This, combined with generally clear skies that promoted deep mixing, allowed strong winds to reach the surface on the afternoon of the 20th. This event was confined mainly to Southeast Utah and Southwest Colorado.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1181614. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.