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 45 mph, and were sufficient to cause isolated instances of tree damage across the greater Phoenix area. According to a trained weather spotter in central Phoenix, at 1630 MST, wind gusts estimated to be nearly 50 mph caused a 40 foot tall pine tree to be blown down onto the eastbound lanes of West Dunlap Avenue between 34th and 35th Avenue. No injuries were reported as a result of the fallen tree. A wind advisory had been issued for the greater Phoenix area at 800 MST running through 1700 MST.

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 506720. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.