Dust Storm — South Central Pinal County, Arizona

2012-06-26 · South Central Pinal County, Arizona

Event narrative

Strong thunderstorms moved across the Three Points, Picture Rocks and Avra Valley areas, generating strong outflow winds that resulted in a reduced visibility in blowing dust. A haboob was photographed moving through these areas and across south central Pinal County. Four separate accidents occurred on Interstate 10 between mile markers 214 and 226, but the interstate remained open. One accident near Red Rock resulted in seven injuries when a sport utility vehicle rear ended a cement truck. Two adults in the front seat of the SUV were taken to the hospital with serious although not life-threatening injuries. Another two-vehicle accident in the same area left two people with minor injuries.

Wider weather episode

An upper level disturbance triggered thunderstorms in weak southwest flow upstream of an upper high which stretched from Kansas to Chihuahua. Thunderstorms produced gusty winds and blowing dust.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 383664. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.