Strong Wind — Greater Phoenix Area, Arizona

2014-04-26 · Greater Phoenix Area, Arizona

Event narrative

A vigorous upper level low pressure system moving through the desert southwest generated gusty west winds across the central Arizona deserts during the afternoon and evening hours on April 26th. Some of the wind gusts were in excess of 40 mph, and were sufficient to cause isolated instances of tree damage across the greater Phoenix area. At 1400 MST, a trained spotter in Gilbert reported 5 to 6 inch diameter tree branches were blown down near the intersection of Riggs and Higley road. Another trained spotter in Papago Park reported a couple of tree branches blown down near Thomas Road and 60th street. The diameter of the branches was estimated to be greater than 2 inches. This occurred at 1430 MST. A wind advisory was issued for the central Arizona deserts, including the greater Phoenix area, from 800 MST through 1700 MST, and it was in effect when the tree damage occurred.

Wider weather episode

An area of low pressure moving across the desert southwest generated gusty west winds across the central Arizona deserts during the afternoon and evening hours on April 26th. Wind gusts generally ranged from 30 to 40 mph, although there were a few higher gusts. The winds were sufficient to warrant the issuance of a wind advisory for the lower deserts including the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Some of the stronger wind gusts produced isolated tree damage in the Phoenix area, mostly in the form of downed large branches.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 506719. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.