Dust Storm — Central Deserts, Arizona

2012-09-02 · Central Deserts, Arizona

Event narrative

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms developed during the early evening hours across south central Arizona, and they generated gusty outflow winds in excess of 35 mph which spread westward across northwest Pinal county. The gusty winds stirred up significant amounts of dust and dirt and generated dust storm conditions. A dust storm warning was issued for the central deserts from 653 pm and continued until nearly 9 pm. At 638 pm, a trained weather spotter located in Arizona City reported visibility down to one eighth of a mile in dense blowing dust. The sharply reduced visibility created very hazardous driving conditions; fortunately, no accidents or injuries were reported due to the dense blowing dust.

Wider weather episode

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms developed across portions of south central Arizona during the evening hours on September 2nd, and they generated strong and gusty outflow winds. The winds stirred up significant amounts of dust and dirt over northwest Pinal county; this led to dense blowing dust and dust storm conditions. Visibility lowered to below one quarter mile at times in locations such as Arizona City, and led to the issuance of a Dust Storm Warning for the central deserts.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 405827. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.