Severe Thunderstorms and Dust Storms Hit Phoenix Area

PHOENIX, Arizona — The Phoenix area is preparing for severe thunderstorms and dust storms as monsoon activity intensifies. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of the East Valley, including Chandler, Mesa, and Gilbert, effective until 9:15 p.m. MST.

A dust storm warning is also in effect for the Valley, expected to last until 9:00 p.m. MST. A significant dust storm emerged from a severe storm just east of Maricopa, which began at approximately 8:15 p.m. The storm is moving north and is anticipated to reach areas around South Mountain. Reports of heavy rain indicated that Tempe and Mesa experienced significant precipitation around 8:45 p.m.

The NWS advised motorists to exercise caution, noting, “Dense blowing dust has been kicked up from an outflow boundary produced by the severe storm. Please be careful if you encounter this dust. Slow down. Pull Aside, Stay Alive.”

Meanwhile, Hurricane Lorena is currently moving along the west coast of the Baja Peninsula, contributing to the monsoon surge in Arizona. The hurricane maintains wind speeds of 80 miles per hour but is forecasted to weaken as it moves north into colder waters and across the peninsula.

No hurricane warnings have been issued for the Mexican coast, but Tropical Storm Warnings remain in effect. As Lorena progresses, it is expected to transition into a tropical depression with winds of 25 mph, and there has historically been no hurricane landfall in Arizona.

The moisture from Lorena’s weakening storm will arrive in Arizona before the hurricane’s core hits. Consequently, a Flood Watch has been issued for central and southeastern Arizona, including the Phoenix metropolitan area, running from noon Thursday until midnight Thursday night. This watch is primarily focused on flash flooding.

“When tropical moisture enters the state, the risk for flash flooding increases significantly,” the NWS noted. Current forecasts indicate up to one inch of rain in some regions of the Valley, although most areas may receive less.

The weather is also expected to bring a temperature drop, with highs remaining in the 90s and overnight lows in the 70s.