High Wind — Tohono Oodham Nation, Arizona

2010-01-21 · Tohono Oodham Nation, Arizona

Event narrative

High winds caused significant roof damage to several structures in the Tohono Oodham Nation. One residence roof was damaged in Sells, one in Gu Vo, and three more in Hickiwan. The residents of the damaged homes were displaced into shelters. In addition, hundreds of saguaro cacti across the Tohono Oodham Nation were blown over by the damaging winds.

Wider weather episode

An exceptionally strong Pacific storm system impacted southeast Arizona, producing a wide variety of weather. Widespread heavy valley rain and higher elevation snow affected all of southeast Arizona. Additionally, the storm produced a significant wind event, with strong and damaging winds reported at many locations, along with areas of blowing dust. Heavy rainfall and melting snowpack produced some flooding of area streams and washes, and the combination of heavy snow and strong winds produced blizzard conditions on the highest elevations at times. Also, several severe thunderstorms produced wind damage during the evening of the 21st.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 205219. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.