Dust Storm — Palo Verde Valley, California

2021-08-10 · Palo Verde Valley, California

Event narrative

A couple of trained spotters in Blythe reported less then 1/4 mile visibility in blowing dust with estimated 40-50 mph winds. No damages or injuries were reported.

Wider weather episode

An MCS developed in the afternoon in western Arizona and spread southwest through Riverside and Imperial counties during the evening and early overnight hours. In an otherwise week steering wind, the MCS was partially maintained by strong low level wind shear as it progressed downslope through a moisture-rich environment. The MCS produced widespread 40 plus mph wind gusts, locally higher, with multiple damaging wind reports. The strong winds also generated dense blowing dust. There were numerous reports of power outages across Imperial County and unconfirmed reports of trees falling on vehicles. Given the high moisture content, storms with the MCS and the slow-moving storms that developed well out ahead of the MCS produced very heavy rainfall, leading to areas of flash flooding. Radar estimated rainfall was upwards of 2 to 3 inches in 1 hour for many areas, with locally higher amounts.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 981460. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.