Dense Fog — Central Deserts, Arizona

2015-01-14 · Central Deserts, Arizona

Event narrative

Areas of dense fog developed in the Casa Grande areas during the early morning hours on January 14th, due to lingering moisture from a recent wet weather system combined with clear skies. Visibilities occasionally dropped to just a few hundred yards as reported by both local law enforcement and trained weather spotters. As reported by local law enforcement, at 0810MST the near zero visibility resulted in a serious automobile accident at the intersection of Thornton Road and Peters road. A sedan ran into the back of a Wal-Mart semi-truck. The accident resulted in 2 fatalities as well as 2 injuries. A Dense Fog Advisory, issued at 0512MST, was in effect at the time of the accident.

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 548519. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.