Dust Storm — Central Deserts, Arizona

2017-07-21 · Central Deserts, Arizona

Event narrative

Strong thunderstorms developed across the southeast portion of the greater Phoenix area during the late afternoon hours on July 21st, and some of them produced gusty outflow winds estimated to be at least 40 mph in strength. The winds were sufficient to stir up localized areas of dense blowing dust; at 1837MST a trained spotter located 6 miles northeast of Queen Creek reported a dust storm. The spotter estimated visibility down to one quarter of a mile in dense blowing dust. A Dust Storm Warning was not issued and no accidents were reported due to the sharply restricted visibility.

Wider weather episode

Scattered monsoon thunderstorms developed across portions of the greater Phoenix area, including east valley communities from Mesa eastward through Superior, during the late afternoon and evening hours on July 21st. Some of the stronger storms produced intense rainfall with peak rain rates between 3 and 4 inches per hour and this led to episodes of flooding and flash flooding in communities such as Apache Junction, located between Phoenix and the higher terrain of southern Gila County. Several Flood Advisory products were issued for the area as well as a Flash Flood Warning; the Weekes Wash in Apache Junction experienced flash flooding although no injuries or water rescues ensued due to the flooding. In addition to the heavy rains, there was a brief episode of dense blowing dust near Queen Creek as strong thunderstorm outflow winds moved through the area stirring up dust and dirt.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 709689. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.