Strong Wind — Central Deserts, Arizona

2017-04-25 · Central Deserts, Arizona

Event narrative

Strong gusty southwest winds developed across the greater Phoenix area during the afternoon and evening hours on April 25th in response to a strong Pacific weather system approaching from the west. Some of the stronger gusts were in excess of 40 mph and they were sufficient to blow down trees near the community of Glendale. At 1622MST a trained spotter 4 miles northeast of Glendale measured a wind gust to 51 mph; the gust blew down a lemon tree. At nearly the same time, another trained spotter in the same area reported that gusts of unknown velocity blew down a palm tree which then blocked the street.

Wider weather episode

A strong Pacific weather system generated gusty southwest winds in excess of 40 mph across much of the central deserts during the afternoon and evening hours on April 25th. This led to the issuance of a widespread Wind Advisory. Some of the stronger gusts were reported to be in excess of 50 mph and they were not associated with any thunderstorms. The winds blew down a few trees in the greater Phoenix area, mainly in the community of Glendale. No injuries were reported.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 687650. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.