Dust Storm — Northwest Maricopa County, Arizona

2014-07-03 · Northwest Maricopa County, Arizona

Event narrative

Thunderstorms developed across southern Pinal county during the afternoon hours on July 3rd, and due to favorable atmospheric conditions, they generated strong gusty outflow winds in excess of 50 mph. These winds spread to the northwest, picking up massive amounts of dirt and dust and creating dust storm conditions. The dust storm spread across the greater Phoenix area during the evening hours, eventually moving through northwest portions of Maricopa county. A Dust Storm Warning was issued at 1900MST and it continued through 2300MST. Numerous trained spotters in the greater Phoenix area reported dust storm conditions with this event, with visibilities dropping at or below one quarter of a mile.

Wider weather episode

Strong thunderstorms developed across southern Pinal county during the afternoon hours on July 3rd, and they generated strong gusty outflow winds in excess of 50 mph. The winds spread to the northwest and picked up massive amounts of dust, leading a major dust storm across the central deserts, including the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Visibilities dropped to near zero miles at times, and given the late afternoon and early evening time frame, severely disrupted the evening rush hour. Initially, Blowing Dust Advisories were issued, but were later upgraded to Dust Storm Warnings. No significant accidents or injuries were reported due to the dense blowing dust.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 525752. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.