Strong Wind — Greater Phoenix Area, Arizona

2017-03-30 · Greater Phoenix Area, Arizona

Event narrative

Strong gusty winds developed across the greater Phoenix area during the evening hours on March 30th due to an approaching strong weather system. The strong gusts caused areas of blowing dust and led to the issuances of blowing dust advisories and wind advisories. At 2124MST a trained spotter 5 miles northwest of Deer Valley reported that winds gusts estimated to be at least 40 mph downed a 20 inch diameter tree in far north Phoenix.

Wider weather episode

Strong and gusty winds developed during the afternoon and evening hours across much of southern Arizona in response to a strong weather system approaching from the west. Gusty winds over 40 mph were widespread over the deserts and resulted in the issuances of Blowing Dust Advisories as well as Dust Storm Warnings. Patchy dense blowing dust with visibilities below one quarter of a mile were observed in La Paz county. Gusty winds at least 40 mph caused a tree to be downed in the greater Phoenix area during the evening hours.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 687647. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.