Dust Storm — Greater Phoenix Area, Arizona

2017-07-14 · Greater Phoenix Area, Arizona

Event narrative

Strong thunderstorms developed across the far northern portions of the greater Phoenix area during the mid afternoon hours, and they produced strong gusty outflow winds as high as 60 mph. The gusty winds spread south into the greater Phoenix area and stirred up areas of dense blowing dust. According to a public report, visibility dropped to an estimated one quarter mile 2 miles northeast of Luke Air Force Base at 1706MST. Although Dust Storm conditions were observed at Luke, a Dust Storm Warning was not in effect. At 1712MST a Blowing Dust Advisory was issued for portions of the greater Phoenix area and it was in effect through 1900MST.

Wider weather episode

Thunderstorms developed during the afternoon hours across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area on July 14th and some of the stronger storms produced strong gusty outflow wind measured to be as high as 60 mph. The gusty winds were also responsible for generating areas of dense blowing dust; at about 1700MST dust storm conditions were reported at Luke Air Force Base in west Phoenix as visibility dropped to one quarter of a mile. Although Dust Storm Warnings were not issued, a Blowing Dust Advisory was issued for portions of the greater Phoenix area during the afternoon hours. The strong outflow winds did not produce any reported damage.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 708280. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.