Dust Storm — Central Deserts, Arizona

2015-08-11 · Central Deserts, Arizona

Event narrative

Scattered thunderstorms developed across south central Arizona during the morning hours on August 11th and they generated gusty outflow winds that were measured in excess of 50 mph at times. The gusty winds stirred up significant amounts of dust and created dust storm conditions over portions of northwest Pinal county. According to a trained weather spotter in San Tan Valley, at 0910MST visibilities dropped to one quarter mile in dense blowing dust near the intersection of Gary Road and the Hunt Highway. The dust created very hazardous driving conditions for motorists on the tail end of the morning rush hour. Fortunately no accidents or injuries were reported due to the dust storm conditions.

Wider weather episode

Scattered strong thunderstorms developed during the morning hours on August 11th over south central Arizona, and they produced gusty winds that were measured to be in excess of 50 mph at times. Due to rather dry ground conditions, the gusty winds were able to pick up substantial amounts of dust and dirt and loft it into the air, creating dust storm conditions. The dense blowing dust affected much of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area and many trained spotters reported visibilities at or below one quarter of a mile in a dust storm. The severely restricted visibilities in blowing dust created very hazardous driving conditions for motorists on the tail end of the morning rush hour.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 588997. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.