Dense Fog — Central Deserts, Arizona

2015-01-14 · Central Deserts, Arizona

Event narrative

Areas of dense fog developed in the Casa Grande area during the early morning hours on January 14th, a result of lingering low level moisture from a recent wet winter storm combined with clear skies. According to local law enforcement, visibility dropped to a few hundred feet across portions of Casa Grande at 0500MST and the dense fog persisted into the late morning hours. The fog created very hazardous driving conditions for area motorists, especially during the morning rush hour.

Wider weather episode

On the morning of January 14th, considerable low level moisture lingered across the south central deserts following the passage of a wet winter weather system. Clear skies and light winds allowed areas of dense fog to develop, primarily across portions of western Pinal county. Some of the densest fog affected the areas around and to the south of Casa Grande; visibilities dropped well below one quarter of a mile and created very hazardous driving conditions. A serious automobile accident occurred in Casa Grande as a result of the dense fog, resulting in 2 fatalities and 2 injuries. A Dense Fog Advisory was issued for northwest Pinal county from 0500MST until 0900MST which included the community of Casa Grande.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 548518. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.