Dust Storm — Chinle Valley, Arizona

2012-03-06 · Chinle Valley, Arizona

Event narrative

Blowing dust was reported in Many Farms. The visibility was about 120 yards and below 50 yards at times. The Police Department in Chinle reported poor visibility in blowing dust all day. At least one employee had to stop on the road while driving to work because of the blowing dust. The wind was estimated to be 40 to 50 MPH with gusts to 60 MPH. Employees at a hotel in Kayenta reported 1/2 mile visibility in dust with estimated gusts to 70 MPH.

Wider weather episode

A low pressure over the Great Basin swept a strong cold front across Arizona. Strong to very strong winds developed ahead of the front and produced areas of blowing dust.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 372176. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.