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

2021-05-22 · Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County, Arizona

Event narrative

The ADOT wind sensor at the Little Colorado River on I-40 recorded a peak wind gust of 64 MPH at 303 PM and the sensor at Jackrabbit (on I-40) recorded a peak wind gust of 62 MPH at 103 PM. Wind gusts at Jack Rabbit reached 58 MPH a few more times until 403 PM. The Winslow Airport had a peak wind gust of 59 MPH at 203 PM. The Taylor airport reported a peak wind gust of 58 MPH at 1255 PM.

Wider weather episode

A strong, broad area of low pressure brought strong and gusty southwest winds to northern Arizona. The base of the trough rotating through the area during the afternoon helped to increase the pressure gradient especially across eastern Arizona. Most of the highest wind speeds were between 50 and 60 MPH with a few were higher than 60 MPH.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 952283. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.