Dust Storm in Central Deserts, Arizona

During the late afternoon hours on July 19th, areas of dense blowing dust spread northwestward across portions of the central deserts including the area around Casa Grande. The dense blowing dust lowered visibility below one quarter of a mile, creating dust storm conditions and resulting in very hazardous driving conditions during the evening rush hour. At 1746MST the Department of Public Safety reported a dust storm approaching the Interstate 10 exit 194 from the south with visibilities down to around 100 feet. A Dust Storm Warning was issued at 1749MST and the warning remained in effect through 1900MST.

Thunderstorms developed across the higher terrain of eastern and southeastern Arizona during the late afternoon hours on July 19th and some of the stronger ones produced gusty outflow winds in excess of 40 mph. The gusty winds picked up significant amounts of dust and dirt and generated dense blowing dust which lowered visibilities to below one quarter mile across portions of the central deserts. Dust storm conditions initially affected the area around Casa Grande, including the Interstate 10 corridor; later the dense blowing dust spread north into portions of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries were reported due to the sharply reduced visibilities. Multiple Dust Storm Warnings were issued for the event, and the dense blowing dust created hazardous driving conditions during the evening rush hour.