Dust Storm — Southeast Pinal County, Arizona

2010-05-02 · Southeast Pinal County, Arizona

Event narrative

A fatal three car collision occurred on Interstate 10 in Pinal County near mile marker 214 and Picacho State Park. At approximately 12:45 PM MST, a semi-truck slowed down on the interstate due to limited visibility in blowing dust. A car following the semi-truck failed to slow down, and lost control as it attempted to avoid a collision with the semi. The car collided with a wall and the semi, before being struck by a third car. The driver of the second car died on scene.

Wider weather episode

An intense storm system passed through the Four Corners region on May 2. An increase in pressure gradients resulted in strong winds and areas of blowing dust across southeast Arizona.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 220496. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.