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

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

Event narrative

The Springerville Airport reported sustained winds of 40 MPH or higher at times between 8 AM and 3 PM. The peak wind gust of 61 MPH was recorded at 1055 AM. A wind sensor at Doubtful Tanks recorded a peak wind gust of 59 MPH at 145 PM (this is on the Petrified Forest National Park land).

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 952290. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.