High Wind — Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County, Arizona

2018-04-19 · Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County, Arizona

Event narrative

The ADOT wind sensor at Jackrabbit (along I-40) recorded a peak wind gust of 58 MPH at 213 PM MST. The Winslow Airport ASOS recorded a peak wind gust of 63 MPH at 105 PM MST. The sustained winds were 40 MPH or higher much of the time between 1250 AM and 240 PM MST. The ADOT wind sensor on Highway 77 near Concho had sustained winds above 40 MPH from 1250 PM until 315 PM. The peak wind gust was 58 MPH at 213 PM.

Wider weather episode

A strong short wave trough of low pressure swept across northern Arizona with high southwest winds. Timing of the maximum winds aloft coincided with the diurnal heating and allowed for maximum mixing of winds to the surface.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 744371. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.