Thunderstorm Wind — Graham, Arizona

2021-09-05 · near Solomon, Graham, Arizona

Event narrative

Thunderstorm winds caused considerable damage near the junction of Highways 70 and 191 in Safford. Two hotel marquis signs were blown down. A large roof extending to the side of a building near a skate park was damaged and an attached tall block wall also fell. A wall south of this property where an animal shelter was located blew down along with a power line that caused a funeral home's cold storage unit to lose power. Damage extended several blocks south to 15th St. where the roof was peeled off an apartment complex. allowing rain to enter one unit. A few other buildings in Safford sustained moderate roof damage and solid fencing partitions were blown down. Several trees were blown down, some of which caused additional roof damage. causing roof damage. Some other tree/power line damage in other parts of town. A recreational vehicle was flipped on its side 5 miles south of Safford. The ASOS at Safford Municipal Airport measured a gust to 68 mph at 1545MST.

Wider weather episode

Scattered thunderstorms developed and moved southwest across southeast Arizona during the afternoon and early evening hours. Thunderstorm winds produced considerable damage in Safford. Sporadic wind and lightning damage also occurred the greater Tucson Metro Area.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (32.8500, -109.6400)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 985206. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.