High Wind — Upper Gila River Valley, Arizona

1998-02-24 · Upper Gila River Valley, Arizona

Wider weather episode

A strong cold front moving across the area kicked up strong winds that caused considerable damage. Portions of the roofs of the Huachuca city school and several churches in Sierra Vista were blown off, numerous roofs had some shingles ripped off, 25 cars parked at a Sierra Vista school had their windows broken, another dozen cars parked at the Kmart store in Sierra Vista sustained some damage, some trees, street signs, and billboards were blown down, some businesses reported broken windows, and in Graham county several reports of roofs "blown off" were received. In Graham county an automated station on Guthrie Peak reported a gust to 77 knots, while a wind sensor at the Fort Huachuca army base reported a gust to 62 knots.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5631575. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.