Dust Devil — Pima, Arizona

2011-05-13 · near Tucson, Pima, Arizona

Event narrative

Strong daytime heating and unstable conditions caused several dust devils to form across the region. One dust devil formed at Hoffman Park located at the 4800 block of South Cecilia St. in Tucson. Parents were able to pull their children out of a jumping castle just before the stakes were pulled out of the ground as the jumping castle was lifted several feet into the funnel and tossed into a light pole. The dust devil also picked up several other pieces of debris before dissipating over the concrete street. Six children were injured by flying debris. Five were evaluated at the scene, while one 16-year-old boy was transported to a hospital with minor injuries.

Wider weather episode

Strong daytime heating and an unstable atmosphere created prime conditions for dust devils.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (32.2169, -110.8875)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 303119. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.