Dust Storm Warning 30, NWS Phoenix, AZ

314 
WWUS55 KPSR 182236
DSWPSR

Dust Storm Warning
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
336 PM MST Sat Sep 18 2021

AZC013-021-182300-
/O.CON.KPSR.DS.W.0030.000000T0000Z-210918T2300Z/
Maricopa AZ-Pinal AZ-
336 PM MST Sat Sep 18 2021

...A DUST STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 400 PM MST FOR
MARICOPA AND PINAL COUNTIES...

At 335 PM MST, a wall of dust was along a line extending from
Downtown Mesa to Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport to San Tan Valley,
moving northeast at 45 mph.

  HAZARD...Less than one quarter mile visibility with damaging wind 
           in excess of 60 mph.

  SOURCE...Doppler radar.

  IMPACT...Dangerous life-threatening travel.

This includes the following highways...
AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 156 and 183.
US Highway 60 between mile markers 173 and 197, and between mile
markers 201 and 209.
AZ Route 87 between mile markers 148 and 172.

Locations impacted include...
Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, Sun
Lakes, Queen Creek, San Tan Village Mall, San Tan Valley, Seville,
Freestone Park, Bapchule, Fiesta Mall and Phoenix Mesa Gateway
Airport.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Dust storms lead to dangerous driving conditions with visibility
reduced to near zero. If driving, avoid dust storms if possible. If
caught in one, then pull off the road, turn off your lights and keep
your foot off the brake.

Motorists should not drive into a dust storm. PULL ASIDE STAY ALIVE!

Strong to severe thunderstorms are also possible behind this wall of
dust. Keep updated with this quickly evolving situation.

&&

LAT...LON 3340 11195 3341 11161 3332 11131 3302 11178
      3317 11191 3336 11203
TIME...MOT...LOC 2235Z 238DEG 37KT 3341 11182 3331 11168 3317 11159 

$$

INS

454 
WWUS55 KPSR 182300
DSWPSR

Dust Storm Warning
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
400 PM MST Sat Sep 18 2021

AZC013-021-182310-
/O.EXP.KPSR.DS.W.0030.000000T0000Z-210918T2300Z/
Maricopa AZ-Pinal AZ-
400 PM MST Sat Sep 18 2021

...THE DUST STORM WARNING FOR MARICOPA AND PINAL COUNTIES HAS
EXPIRED...

The dust storm which prompted the warning has weakened. Therefore,
the dust storm warning has been allowed to expire. Areas of blowing
dust will continue to make travel difficult.

LAT...LON 3340 11195 3341 11161 3332 11131 3302 11178
      3317 11191 3336 11203
TIME...MOT...LOC 2300Z 238DEG 37KT 3353 11159 3343 11145 3329 11136 

$$

INS

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
108 PM MST Sat Sep 18 2021

.SYNOPSIS...
A weak weather system moving through the area will bring another
round of isolated to scattered shower and storms today with
activity focused mainly east of the Colorado River. Most locations
will likely not see measurable rain, but there is still the
potential for localized flash flooding. A few strong storms
capable of producing strong winds, blowing dust, and frequent
lightning are possible. Conditions will rapidly dry out through
Sunday and high temperatures will warm to slightly above normal as
high pressure builds in.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Today's convective forecast has a high ceiling and low floor. As
for the ceiling, a slow moving upper level low, now approaching
southern Nevada, continues to make the atmosphere more favorable
for showers and thunderstorms east of the Colorado River.
Prolonged deep southerly flow continues to provide moisture as
PWATs have more than doubled in two days surpassing 1.50 inches.
Satellite derived CAPE indicates 300-600 J/kg over the southern
half of Arizona, but that should increase through the day potentially
peaking between 1000-1500 J/kg. Indications of increasing 0-6 km
shear give some potential for a few rotating updrafts and stronger
storms.

As for the low floor, there is plenty of uncertainty regarding the
coverage and timing of showers/storms given a very pronounced
inversion between 500-400 mb on the 18/12z KPSR sounding that could
keep a lid on activity today. Modest daytime heating and continued
moisture advection may help destabilization in some spots and
allow isolated instances of deeper convection while most capped
areas see no more than shallow convection/showers. As suggested
by very recent hi-res guidance, deeper convection may instead have
to wait until late this evening/tonight when a minor mid level
wave moves through that could support better forcing capable of
surmounting the cap. Given this, forecast PoPs remain unimpressive,
mostly between 25-35%, as occurrence of either case described
above (or both) may not be enough for widespread storms or showers.
The few thunderstorms currently on radar between the Estrellas
and Gila Bend may give us a first look at how convection may fare
today.

Otherwise, HREF ensemble shows showers and thunderstorms mostly
developing west of the Phoenix area early this afternoon (not too
dissimilar to what is occurring now) with the bulk of activity
then shifting east. The main threat with storms will be strong
wind gusts of 40-60 mph and blowing dust. If shear is realized and
there are any rotating updrafts, a minor threat for hail and/or a
funnel cloud report would not surprise. That does not mean
tornadoes are a threat but a relatively commonplace terrestrial
based rotating vapor shaft could not be ruled out either. Trends
remain consistent for lower QPF potential as 20-25 kt steering
flow will keep storms moving and limit accumulations. NBM
probability for rainfall above 0.10" is low, below 15%, but HREF
does show potential for higher amounts nearing 1 inch and rainfall
rates of 1.00-1.50 in/hr where strong storms develop and/or training
occurs.

Heading through Sunday the environment will begin rapidly drying
out from west to east with PWATs likely falling below 0.7" by
Monday. However, isolated showers and storms may still develop
over portions of southern Gila Sunday afternoon depending on the
amount of remaining moisture at the time. Otherwise, dry
conditions will extend through at least early next week and high
pressure is expected to set back in over the Southwest. This will
result in a slight warming trend with highs a few degrees above
normal. With the dry conditions, dew points in the 40s, morning
low temperatures are expected to remain in the 70s.

&&

.AVIATION...Updated at 1755Z.

South-Central Arizona including KPHX, KIWA, KSDL, and KDVT:
A westerly switch will be in progress from late morning to early
afternoon, though with periods of light-variable conditions
possible. Isolated showers are expected mid afternoon, and a
second period of scattered thunderstorms moving NE through the
Valley are in the TAFs for a few hours this evening. There is also
a >50% chance of wind gusts above 30 kt associated with the
storms which could result in localized blowing dust. Skies will be
partly to mostly cloudy with SCT-BKN low-mid storm cloud decks
from 8-12 kft. Conditions will improve by later tonight with
clearing skies and a relatively early switch to E to SE flow.

Southeast California/Southwest Arizona including KIPL and KBLH:
Shower activity has generally pushed east of the Colorado River
Valley and rain is not anticipated at KBLH or KIPL. Mostly S to W
winds will prevail through the day. Winds will increase beginning
late this afternoon and into the evening with occasional gusts
near 20-22 kt anticipated.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...
Monday through Friday:
Dry conditions will dominate through most if not the entirety of
next week as high pressure strengthens across the region. High
temperatures through the period will be near to slightly above
normal. Afternoon RH values will mostly be in the 10-20% range
with overnight recoveries to 30-45%. Winds will be fairly light
while favoring local diurnal/terrain influences.

&&

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...
Spotters should follow standard reporting procedures.

&&

.PSR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AZ...None.
CA...None.
&&

DISCUSSION...12/Benedict
AVIATION...Sawtelle/Hirsch
FIRE WEATHER...Benedict

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
139 PM MST Sat Sep 18 2021

AZZ540-543-550-553-554-559-182145-
South Mountain/Ahwatukee AZ-Sonoran Desert Natl Monument AZ-
Buckeye/Avondale AZ-Northwest Pinal County AZ-Central Phoenix AZ-
West Pinal County AZ-
139 PM MST Sat Sep 18 2021

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Maricopa and Pinal
Counties through 245 PM MST...

At 139 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Estrella Sailport, or 23 miles southwest of Sun Lakes, moving north
at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Avondale, Maricopa, South Mountain Park, Estrella Sailport, Ak-
Chin Village, Komatke and Mobile.

This includes the following highways...
AZ Route 238 between mile markers 19 and 43.
AZ Route 347 near mile marker 182.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3292 11213 3297 11241 3334 11233 3340 11223
      3338 11209 3318 11200
TIME...MOT...LOC 2039Z 201DEG 11KT 3304 11223

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

INS

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
205 PM MST Sat Sep 18 2021

AZZ537-541-182130-
Cave Creek/New River AZ-Northwest Valley AZ-
205 PM MST Sat Sep 18 2021

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Maricopa County
through 230 PM MST...

At 205 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles southwest of Castle Hot Springs, or 9 miles northeast of
Wittmann, moving north at 15 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Lake Pleasant.

This includes AZ Route 74 between mile markers 4 and 19.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3393 11247 3388 11227 3378 11233 3383 11259
      3395 11254
TIME...MOT...LOC 2105Z 201DEG 11KT 3388 11242

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

INS

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PHOENIX AZ
244 PM MST SAT SEP 18 2021

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0106 PM     HEAVY RAIN       1 S AVONDALE            33.42N 112.35W
09/18/2021  M0.36 INCH       MARICOPA           AZ   TRAINED SPOTTER

            DELAYED REPORT. A TRAINED SPOTTER NEAR
            LITCHFIELD ROAD AND LOWER BUCKEYE ROAD
            MEASURED 0.36 INCHES OF RAIN THAT ONLY TOOK
            10-15 MINUTES TO OCCUR.

&&

AJ

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Phoenix AZ
246 PM MST Sat Sep 18 2021

AZZ553-554-559-182230-
Sonoran Desert Natl Monument AZ-Northwest Pinal County AZ-
West Pinal County AZ-
246 PM MST Sat Sep 18 2021

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Maricopa and Pinal
Counties through 330 PM MST...

At 245 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Maricopa, or 21 miles southwest of Sun Lakes, moving northeast at 25
mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph, pea size hail, and blowing dust.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
Casa Grande, Maricopa, Estrella Sailport, Olberg, Stanfield, Ak-
Chin Village and Mobile.

This includes the following highways...
AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 180 and 185.
AZ Interstate 8 between mile markers 144 and 163.
AZ Route 238 between mile markers 30 and 44.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.

&&

LAT...LON 3263 11224 3300 11230 3313 11228 3317 11203
      3303 11172 3276 11199 3276 11205 3272 11207
      3272 11214 3269 11215 3268 11220 3264 11220
TIME...MOT...LOC 2145Z 228DEG 23KT 3298 11211

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

INS

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PHOENIX AZ
248 PM MST SAT SEP 18 2021

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0237 PM     TSTM WND GST     2 SSE CHANDLER          33.26N 111.86W
09/18/2021  E45 MPH          MARICOPA           AZ   TRAINED SPOTTER

            A TRAINED SPOTTER NEAR ALMA SCHOOL RD. AND
            QUEEN CREEK RD. REPORTED SOME SMALL TREE
            BRANCHES/TWIGS SNAPPED AND VISIBILITY
            REDUCED TO NEAR ONE HALF MILE IN BLOWING
            DUST.

&&

AJ

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE PHOENIX AZ
316 PM MST SAT SEP 18 2021

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0313 PM     HEAVY RAIN       2 ENE MARICOPA          33.09N 112.01W
09/18/2021  M1.20 INCH       PINAL              AZ   TRAINED SPOTTER

            A TRAINED SPOTTER IN MARICOPA REPORTED 1.20
            INCHES OF RAIN BETWEEN 259 PM AND 313PM NEAR
            HIGHWAY 347 AND LAKEVIEW DRIVE.
            INTERSECTIONS ARE BEGINNING TO FLOOD WITH
            STANDING WATER.

&&

AJ