Dust Storm in Southwest Deserts, Arizona

Thunderstorms developed across portions of southwest Arizona and northwest Mexico during the afternoon hours on July 5th. Gusty east to southeast outflow winds in excess of 40 mph were generated and they produced dust storm conditions across much of Yuma County. At 1630MST, a trained weather spotter 2 miles northeast of Tacna reported a dust storm with visibility lowered below one quarter of a mile. Power outages were also noted. In addition, at 1648MST a mesonet station 12 miles northwest of Mohawk, at the Yuma Proving Grounds, measured a 56 mph wind gust and a visibility of one quarter mile in a dust storm. The dust storm created very hazardous driving conditions in Yuma County, especially along the Interstate 8 corridor. Fortunately, no serious accidents or injuries were reported as a result of the dust storm.

Strong thunderstorms developed across portions of southwest Arizona and northwest Mexico during the afternoon hours on the 5th. Gusty outflow winds in excess of 40 mph developed and overspread much of Yuma county, producing dust storm conditions. Dense blowing dust impacted the community of Yuma, as well as motorists on the Interstate 8 corridor.