Alert archive / Arizona / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2026

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 21, NWS Flagstaff, AZ

July 20, 2026Coconino County, Arizona

NWS Flagstaff, AZ issued this severe thunderstorm warning at Jul 20, 2026, 2:15 PM MST for Coconino County, Arizona. It was in force for 30 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued
Jul 20, 2026, 2:15 PM MST (21:15 UTC)
Expired
Jul 20, 2026, 2:45 PM MST
In force
30 min
Issued by
NWS Flagstaff, AZ
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
1.5 in
Wind
50.0 mph

County Coconino County, AZ

The radar

The Flagstaff radar (KFSX), 107 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:16 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.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this severe thunderstorm warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The nearest sounding before it

Phoenix, AZ (KPSR), launched 12:00Z, 9.3 hours before the alert went out and 186 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, Phoenix, AZ at 12:00Z on 2026-07-20Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 4 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Phoenix, AZ at 12:00Z on 2026-07-20The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -2 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
4 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-185 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
2427 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
20 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-2 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
22 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.1

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

267 
WUUS55 KFGZ 202115
SVRFGZ
AZC005-202145-
/O.NEW.KFGZ.SV.W.0021.260720T2115Z-260720T2145Z/

BULLETIN - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
215 PM MST Mon Jul 20 2026

The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...
  Coconino County in north central Arizona...

* Until 245 PM MST.

* At 215 PM MST, a severe thunderstorm was located 9 miles south of
  Bill Williams Mountain, or 25 miles northwest of Sedona, moving
  southwest at 10 mph.

  HAZARD...Ping pong ball size hail.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated.

  IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect damage
           to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles.

* Locations impacted include...
  Mainly rural areas of Coconino County.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from
windows. This storm is capable of producing large hail.

&&

LAT...LON 3516 11222 3509 11207 3498 11213 3506 11231
TIME...MOT...LOC 2115Z 31DEG 10KT 3508 11217

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...<50 MPH

$$

Zanker
2 follow-up statements
805 
WWUS55 KFGZ 202131
SVSFGZ

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
231 PM MST Mon Jul 20 2026

AZC005-202145-
/O.CON.KFGZ.SV.W.0021.000000T0000Z-260720T2145Z/
Coconino AZ-
231 PM MST Mon Jul 20 2026

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 245 PM MST FOR
COCONINO COUNTY...

At 231 PM MST, a severe thunderstorm was located 10 miles south of
Bill Williams Mountain, or 25 miles northeast of Chino Valley, moving
southwest at 10 mph.

HAZARD...Half dollar size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Damage to vehicles is expected.

Locations impacted include...
  Mainly rural areas of Coconino County.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from
windows. This storm is capable of producing large hail.

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

&&

LAT...LON 3513 11222 3509 11211 3498 11213 3506 11231
TIME...MOT...LOC 2115Z 37DEG 9KT 3509 11217

HAIL THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.25 IN
WIND THREAT...RADAR INDICATED
MAX WIND GUST...<50 MPH

$$

Zanker
148 
WWUS55 KFGZ 202144
SVSFGZ

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
244 PM MST Mon Jul 20 2026

AZC005-202154-
/O.EXP.KFGZ.SV.W.0021.000000T0000Z-260720T2145Z/
Coconino AZ-
244 PM MST Mon Jul 20 2026

...SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 245 PM MST FOR COCONINO
COUNTY...

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property.
Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire. However, small hail
and heavy rain are still possible with this thunderstorm.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement
agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service
office.

&&

LAT...LON 3513 11222 3509 11211 3498 11213 3506 11231
TIME...MOT...LOC 2131Z 37DEG 9KT 3506 11220

$$

Zanker

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 Jul 20, 11:21 AM MST, 2 hours 54 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Jul 20, 11:21 AM MST, 2 hours 54 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
1121 AM MST Mon Jul 20 2026

.SYNOPSIS...Deep monsoonal moisture will remain over the area
through at least mid week, with a slight decrease later in the
week. With this moisture comes the daily threat of thunderstorms,
along with the risk for locally heavy rainfall and flooding. Daytime
temperatures will remain at or below normal much of the week, with
hotter temperatures possible toward the weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...An active monsoon pattern is forecast to remain in
place across northern Arizona for the next several days as a
ridge of high pressure centered over Colorado continues to pump
deep sub-tropical moisture into the region. Precipitable water
(PW) values are exceptionally high for mid-July, with guidance
showing an inch or more across northern Arizona, surface dew
points in the 50s at higher elevations, and dew points in the 60s
at lower elevations.

High-resolution model guidance indicates unusually high
instability today, with CAPE values, a measure of atmospheric
instability, ranging from 1000 to 2500 J/kg across the area. The
highest instability is concentrated along and south of the
Mogollon Rim. Coincident with the areas of highest instability,
pockets of 0-6km wind shear between 20 and 30 knots are forecast.
These shear values are higher than typically observed in mid-
July, and is expected to enhance storm organization and the severe
weather threat. As a result, we will be monitoring for flash
flooding alongside a moderate risk for powerful storms capable of
producing large hail and damaging wind gusts. Convective
development is expected to increase over the higher terrain
around noon before storms drift westward at 5-10 mph.

The monsoon high pressure cell is forecast to remain relatively
stationary over the next few days, ensuring that deep moisture
stays locked in place across northern Arizona. On Tuesday, an
inverted trough will move along the western side of the ridge and
track across Arizona, passing overhead on Wednesday. This feature
may provide additional dynamical lift to aid convective
development.

From Thursday onward, a shift in the synoptic pattern is
anticipated as the majority of model guidance shows the monsoon
high pressure cell strengthening and migrating westward. This
retrograding position will bring warming aloft, resulting in more
stable conditions. Under this scenario, we would see a downward
trend in storm activity and a gradual warming trend through the
end of the week. However, this shift will not bring a complete
shutdown in monsoon activity. The extended forecast maintains
probability of precipitation values of 30-50% over the higher
terrain, and 30% or less for the lower elevations.

&&

.AVIATION...Monday 20/18Z through Tuesday 21/18Z...Scattered to
numerous SHRA/TSRA developing early this afternoon. KPGA likely
stays dry through 05Z. Stronger storms will be capable of
producing wind gusts 30-45 kts, hail, and brief MVFR and IFR
conditions. Storms may continue well into the overnight period
with heavy rain becoming the main threat. Outside of storms, winds
light and variable.

OUTLOOK...Tuesday 21/18Z through Thursday 23/18Z...Look for
SHRA/TSRA activity through the period, most numerous during the
afternoon/evening hours. Stronger storms will produce brief MVFR
and IFR conditions and gusty winds to 30-40 kts. Localized IFR
conditions due to low clouds and fog possible during the overnight
hours. Outside of storms, surface winds light and variable.

&&

.FIRE WEATHER...Today and Tuesday...A medium to high grade
monsoon environment continues, with generally light winds outside of
outflow and thunderstorm activity. Most storms will produce wetting
rain and any stronger storms may produce flash flooding and hail,
especially through Tuesday evening.

Thursday through Saturday...Chances for showers and thunderstorms
continue, though coverage will decrease somewhat. Generally light
winds outside of outflow and thunderstorm activity. Most storms will
produce wetting rain and any stronger storms may produce localized
flash flooding. Expect a warming trend and minimum RH back to around
20% for the lowest elevations.

&&

.FGZ WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...None.

&&

PUBLIC...RR
AVIATION...Zanker
FIRE WEATHER...Zanker

For Northern Arizona weather information visit
weather.gov/flagstaff

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Jul 20, 12:21 PM MST, 1 hour 54 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Flagstaff AZ
1221 PM MST Mon Jul 20 2026

AZZ015-201945-
Western Mogollon Rim AZ-
1221 PM MST Mon Jul 20 2026

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT COCONINO COUNTY UNTIL 1245 PM
MST...

At 1221 PM MST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
A1 Mountain, or 6 miles northwest of Flagstaff, moving southwest at
10 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and nickel 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...
  Fort Valley, Bellemont, A1 Mountain, Wing Mountain, A One Lake and
  Riordan.

This includes the following highways...
Interstate 40 between mile markers 184 and 191. Highway 180 between
mile markers 220 and 229.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening
weather conditions.

&&

LAT...LON 3534 11177 3528 11165 3518 11174 3527 11189
TIME...MOT...LOC 1921Z 45DEG 9KT 3526 11173

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Zanker

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jul 19, 5:13 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZNavajo17 min
Jul 19, 5:45 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZYavapai23 min
Jul 19, 6:25 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZYavapai26 min
Jul 20, 12:21 PM MSTSpecial Weather StatementFGZ24 min
Jul 20, 12:38 PM MSTFlood WatchFGZApache, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, Yavapai33 hr
Jul 20, 1:21 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZCoconino24 min
Jul 20, 1:48 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZCoconino27 min
Jul 20, 2:00 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZGila30 min
Jul 20, 2:11 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatFGZCoconino4 hr
Jul 20, 2:25 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZCoconino, Yavapai21 min
Jul 20, 2:39 PM MSTAreal Flood AdvisoryFGZCoconino4 hr
Jul 20, 2:57 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatFGZCoconino3 hr
Jul 20, 2:59 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZNavajo31 min
Jul 20, 3:04 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZYavapai26 min
Jul 20, 3:19 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZNavajo26 min
Jul 20, 3:26 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZYavapai26 min
Jul 20, 3:29 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZYavapai31 min
Jul 20, 3:33 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZCoconino27 min
Jul 20, 3:42 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZNavajo33 min
Jul 20, 3:46 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatFGZYavapai3 hr
Jul 20, 3:56 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatFGZNavajo3 hr
Jul 20, 4:00 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZYavapai14 min
Jul 20, 4:21 PM MSTSevere Thunderstorm WarningFGZNavajo24 min
Jul 20, 4:42 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatFGZApache, Navajo3 hr
Jul 20, 4:49 PM MSTFlash Flood Warning Considerable damage threatFGZCoconino, Navajo3 hr

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Arizona, 2026Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2026

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.