Alert archive / Arizona / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2023

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 4, NWS Flagstaff, AZ

May 19, 2023Yavapai County, Arizona

NWS Flagstaff, AZ issued this severe thunderstorm warning at May 19, 2023, 1:36 PM MST for Yavapai County, Arizona. It was in force for 24 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
May 19, 2023, 1:36 PM MST (20:36 UTC)
Expired
May 19, 2023, 2:00 PM MST
In force
24 min
Issued by
NWS Flagstaff, AZ
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.0 in
Wind
60.0 mph

County Yavapai County, AZ

The radar

The Flagstaff radar (KFSX), 124 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:39 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The nearest sounding before it

Flgstf/Belemont, AZ (KFGZ), launched 12:00Z, 8.6 hours before the alert went out and 98 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Flgstf/Belemont, AZ at 12:00Z on 2023-05-19Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 25 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Flgstf/Belemont, AZ at 12:00Z on 2023-05-19The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 83 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
25 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-107 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1233 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
14 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
83 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
97 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Flagstaff, AZ wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at May 19, 8:29 AM MST, 5 hours 7 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, May 19, 8:29 AM MST, 5 hours 7 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
829 AM MST Fri May 19 2023

.SYNOPSIS...Thunderstorm chances continue each afternoon and
evening through the weekend across northern Arizona, especially
over higher terrain. The main concerns include hail, gusty winds,
and brief downpours that may lead to localized flooding.
Thunderstorm chances decrease by early next week with a return to
dry, warmer and breezy conditions by midweek.

&&

.UPDATE...Remember Thursday? Look for the same thing today.
Afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorm are forecast with
the main focus from the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains
southward. Storms today will contain the usual cloud-to-ground
lightning, dime sized hail and wind gusts to 40 mph.

&&

.PREV DISCUSSION /241 AM MST/...The unusually active thunderstorm
pattern continues over northern Arizona today, with a particularly
active day in store along and south of the Mogollon Rim. The low
pressure circulation sitting over the Gulf of California has begun
to initiate a moisture surge, evidenced by the Yuma radar showing
a stout southerly flow (25-30+ kts) in the lowest 5,000 ft of the
atmosphere this morning. This moisture is expected to surge north
across the southern deserts and into Yavapai and Gila counties by
late this afternoon and evening. Precipitable water values here
are forecast to increase to near and slightly above 1.00".
Meanwhile, large scale high pressure building over the Great Basin
will keep a north/northeast steering flow over AZ. This pattern
should yield convective initiation first over the Mogollon
Rim/Coconino Plateau with activity moving south of the Rim later
in the day. The pooled moisture south of the rim and a slightly
better shear profile (about 20 kts) should promote better storm
organization with some multi-cell clusters capable of producing
heavy rainfall. This is consistent with the WPC excessive rainfall
outlook highlighting a marginal risk across this area. Isolated
strong to severe cells producing hail and damaging wind are also
possible given forecast instability (CAPE) values in the 500-1000
J/kg range. Convection will continue into the evening hours but
will wane by about midnight. Friday and Saturday...Scattered to
numerous thunderstorms (40 to 80 percent chance) today,
especially along and south of the Mogollon Rim and White
Mountains. Thunderstorms are expected again on Saturday with the
greatest chances (40 to 80 percent) along and north of the
Mogollon Rim.

Saturday will see a shift of the richest moisture to northern
portions of our forecast area. The best thunderstorm chances
(50-70%) will shift to areas along and north of a Prescott to Four
Corners line. Temperatures are forecast to trend about 5 degrees
cooler on Saturday as well. Shower and storm chances begin a
downward trend on Sunday, but still remain in the 30-60% range.
The decreasing trend will continue each day through early next
week as moisture profiles thin out. We expect to return to a
mostly dry and breezy pattern from Tuesday onward as we begin to
feel the influence of a trough deepening over the western states.
This trough will scour out the moisture and bring an end to this
thunderstorm pattern. In addition, we expect to see daytime
temperatures warm to a few degrees above normal by midweek.
Sunday through Tuesday...Thunderstorm chances generally decrease
Sunday into early next week. Storms that do form may create
frequent lightning, gusty erratic outflow winds, and heavy
downpours.

&&

.AVIATION...For the 18Z TAF Package...Expect another round of
scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 19Z and 02Z.
Outflow winds to 25-35 knots and MVFR conditions are the main
hazards. Showers and storms diminishing and becoming isolated
overnight. Aviation discussion not updated for TAF amendments.

&&

&&

.FGZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...NONE.

&&

PUBLIC...McCollum/MCT
AVIATION...McCollum/MAS
FIRE WEATHER...McCollum/MAS

For Northern Arizona weather information visit
weather.gov/flagstaff

In the hours before

Special weather statement, May 19, 12:28 PM MST, 1 hour 8 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
1228 PM MST Fri May 19 2023

AZZ015-016-038-192000-
Western Mogollon Rim-Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons-Eastern Mogollon
Rim-
1228 PM MST Fri May 19 2023

...A strong thunderstorm cluster will impact areas from Munds Park
to near Mormon Lake through 100 PM MST...

At 1226 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm
cluster from Munds Park to near Mormon Lake. These storms were
nearly stationary.

HAZARD...Winds up to 40 mph, heavy rainfall and penny 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...
Mormon Lake, Munds Park, Dairy Springs Campground, Double Springs
Campground, Pinegrove Campground and Ashurst Lake Campgrounds.

This includes the following highways...
 Interstate 17 between mile markers 312 and 326.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

If on or near Mormon Lake, get out of the water and move indoors or
inside a vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike out to 10 miles
from the parent thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, you are close
enough to be struck by lightning. Move to safe shelter now! Do not
be caught on the water in a thunderstorm.

Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until
this storm passes.

&&

LAT...LON 3497 11173 3505 11140 3489 11126 3480 11151
      3482 11175
TIME...MOT...LOC 1926Z 342DEG 2KT 3494 11152

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Bain
Special weather statement, May 19, 12:35 PM MST, 1 hour 1 minute before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
1235 PM MST Fri May 19 2023

AZZ015-038-192000-
Western Mogollon Rim-Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons-
1235 PM MST Fri May 19 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact areas just west of Rogers Lake
through 100 PM MST...

At 1233 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm
just west of Rogers Lake, moving southwest at 5 mph.

HAZARD...Winds of up to 40 mph and penny 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...
Rogers Lake, Raymond Boy Scout Camp and White Horse Lake Campground.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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

&&

LAT...LON 3521 11203 3519 11186 3499 11185 3499 11216
TIME...MOT...LOC 1933Z 027DEG 5KT 3510 11199

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Bain
Special weather statement, May 19, 12:58 PM MST, 38 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
1258 PM MST Fri May 19 2023

AZZ007-008-037-192030-
Yavapai County Valleys and Basins-Coconino Plateau-Yavapai County
Mountains-
1258 PM MST Fri May 19 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Coconino and Yavapai
Counties, near Seligman, through 130 PM MST...

At 1258 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Seligman, or 44 miles northwest of Chino Valley, moving south at 25
mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and half inch 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...
Seligman.

This includes the following highways...
 Business Interstate 40 near mile marker 141.
 Interstate 40 between mile markers 122 and 135.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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 3543 11286 3543 11272 3522 11266 3521 11291
TIME...MOT...LOC 1958Z 359DEG 22KT 3536 11278

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

RKR
Special weather statement, May 19, 1:03 PM MST, 33 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
103 PM MST Fri May 19 2023

AZZ015-037-038-192030-
Yavapai County Valleys and Basins-Western Mogollon Rim-Oak Creek and
Sycamore Canyons-
103 PM MST Fri May 19 2023

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of Coconino and Yavapai
Counties, south of Williams, through 130 PM MST...

At 102 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 10
miles southeast of Williams, or 24 miles northwest of Sedona, moving
southwest at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 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...
Raymond Boy Scout Camp and White Horse Lake Campground.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

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 3523 11206 3512 11193 3497 11211 3510 11227
TIME...MOT...LOC 2002Z 043DEG 8KT 3512 11209

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

RKR
Special weather statement, May 19, 1:32 PM MST, 4 minutes before
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The office that day

Everything else NWS Flagstaff, AZ issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 19, 11:26 AM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ34 min
May 19, 11:38 AM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ37 min
May 19, 12:00 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ30 min
May 19, 12:10 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryFGZYavapai3 hr
May 19, 12:13 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ32 min
May 19, 12:28 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ32 min
May 19, 12:35 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ25 min
May 19, 12:58 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ32 min
May 19, 1:03 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ27 min
May 19, 1:32 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ28 min
May 19, 1:33 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZYavapai27 min
May 19, 2:01 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryFGZYavapai8 hr
May 19, 2:26 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ34 min
May 19, 2:27 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZYavapai33 min
May 19, 2:33 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZYavapai42 min
May 19, 2:43 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryFGZYavapai5 hr
May 19, 2:45 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZYavapai30 min
May 19, 2:53 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZYavapai37 min
May 19, 2:55 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZYavapai35 min
May 19, 3:05 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZYavapai25 min
May 19, 3:11 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryFGZGila, Yavapai3 hr
May 19, 3:14 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZYavapai31 min
May 19, 3:30 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZYavapai30 min
May 19, 3:34 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryFGZYavapai31 min
May 19, 3:36 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryFGZYavapai31 min
May 19, 3:40 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryFGZYavapai3 hr
May 19, 3:48 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZYavapai27 min
May 19, 4:00 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatFGZYavapai8 hr
May 19, 4:14 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZYavapai31 min
May 19, 4:30 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatFGZYavapai5 hr
May 19, 4:39 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ36 min
May 19, 4:40 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ35 min
May 19, 4:46 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ29 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Arizona, 2023Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2023

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.