Thunderstorm Wind — Maricopa, Arizona

2008-08-28 · near Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona

$20.0M

Property damage

74 MG

Magnitude

Event narrative

A trained spotter reported a wind gust of 85 mph at 16th St and Thomas. Widespread damage occurred to homes, businesses and windows knocked out in at least one high-rise. Numerous power poles were taken down, and many trees uprooted. Some damage also occurred at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix.

Wider weather episode

Several waves of severe thunderstorms moved westward across the central and eastern portions of Maricopa County. Upper level winds were stronger than usual, and copious moisture combined with warm temperatures allowed storms to redevelop well into the night. Winds over 80 mph were noted in parts of Phoenix and Tempe. Nearly continuous lightning was also observed during the peak of the activity. Fortunately, no fatalities were associated with these severe storms.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (33.4800, -112.0500)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 123254. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.