Dust Storm — Central Deserts, Arizona

2015-09-12 · Central Deserts, Arizona

Event narrative

Strong thunderstorms developed over the far southeast portion of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area during the late afternoon hours on September 12th, and they generated gusty outflow winds in excess of 50 mph. The winds spread to the southeast and generated areas of dense blowing dust, affecting communities such as Olberg and Casa Grande. According to local broadcast media, at 1815MST visibility was estimated to be below one quarter of a mile in dense blowing dust approximately 2 miles northeast of Olberg. As a result a Dust Storm Warning was issued and it remained in effect until 1900MST.

Wider weather episode

Thunderstorms developed over the central deserts during the late afternoon and early evening hours on September 12th; the stronger storms produced strong gusty winds over 50 mph which resulted in the issuance of a Severe Thunderstorm Warning. The gusty winds spread into portions of the central deserts and affected communities such as Casa Grande, Coolidge and Olberg. The gusty winds generated areas of dense blowing dust which created dust storm conditions and lowered visibilities to one quarter mile or less across portions of the central deserts. A Dust Storm Warning was issued for the area beginning at about 1815MST and lasting for 45 minutes.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 597476. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.