Dust Storm — Central Deserts, Arizona

2017-07-29 · Central Deserts, Arizona

Event narrative

Scattered thunderstorms developed across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area during the late afternoon hours on July 29th and some of the stronger storms generated gusty outflow winds that reached to around 50 mph. The winds were sufficiently strong as to stir up areas of dense blowing dust and create dust storm conditions; some of the especially dense dust affected the town of Maricopa located to the southeast of Phoenix. According to a trained weather spotter, at 1812MST a dust storm was present 4 miles to the northeast of Maricopa; dense blowing dust reduced visibility to 30 feet, creating very hazardous driving conditions. A Dust Storm Warning was issued at 1815MST as a result and remained in effect through 1900MST. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries resulted from the sharply reduced visibility.

Wider weather episode

Scattered monsoon thunderstorms developed across portions of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area during the evening hours on July 29th and these storms primarily generated strong gusty and damaging winds as opposed to heavy rain and flooding. A brief episode of dense blowing dust also occurred near the town of Maricopa, to the southeast of Phoenix. For the most part, peak wind gusts reached to around 60 mph and they were responsible for downing a number of trees in addition to snapping a light pole in El Mirage. However, one very strong gust was measured at 83 mph at Luke Air Force Base at 1656MST.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 709863. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.