Alert archive / Arizona / Tornado Warnings in 2026
Tornado Warning 1, NWS Tucson, AZ
NWS Tucson, AZ issued this tornado warning at Aug 3, 2026, 8:57 PM MST for Pima County, Arizona. It was in force for 34 min. 3 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.
The area
The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.
The facts
- Issued
- Aug 3, 2026, 8:57 PM MST (03:57 UTC)
- Expired
- Aug 3, 2026, 9:31 PM MST
- In force
- 34 min
- Issued by
- NWS Tucson, AZ
- Area
- Storm-based polygon
- Tornado
- Radar indicated
- Hail
- 0.0 in
County Pima County, AZ
The radar
The Tucson radar (KEMX), 105 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 04:01 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.
What was reported inside it
| Time | Report | Where | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 3, 9:01 PM MST | FUNNEL CLOUD | 10 Se Sells, AZ | Delayed report relayed by Tohono Oodham Nation Emergency Manager. Public reported sighting of a funnel cloud looking east towards the Baboquivari Mountains. Time and location estimated by radar. |
| Aug 3, 9:20 PM MST | TSTM WND DMG | 7 Sse Sells, AZ | Delayed report. BUSD 40 Operations Director reported a Palo Verde tree uprooted at entrance of High School in Topawa. Time estimated by radar. |
| Aug 3, 9:20 PM MST | HAIL 1 | 8 Sse Sells, AZ | Delayed report. Quarter sized hail. |
Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.
Did it verify
Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado 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 00:00Z, 4.0 hours before the alert went out and 180 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.
- Mixed-layer CAPE
- 119 J/kg
- Mixed-layer CIN
- -158 J/kg
- Mixed-layer LCL
- 3631 m above ground
- 0-6 km bulk shear
- 17 kt
- 0-1 km storm-relative helicity
- 27 m²/s²
- 0-3 km storm-relative helicity
- 52 m²/s²
- Significant tornado parameter
- 0.0
- Supercell composite
- 0.0
The text
As transmitted.
777
WFUS55 KTWC 040357
TORTWC
AZC019-040445-
/O.NEW.KTWC.TO.W.0001.260804T0357Z-260804T0445Z/
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
857 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026
The National Weather Service in Tucson has issued a
* Tornado Warning for...
South Central Pima County in southeastern Arizona...
* Until 945 PM MST.
* At 857 PM MST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 8 miles east of Topawa, moving west at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
* Locations impacted include...
Topawa, Vamori, South Komelik, Cowlic and Fresnal Canyon.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building
away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a
vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself
from flying debris.
Heavy rainfall is hiding this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. Take cover now!
&&
LAT...LON 3190 11155 3178 11153 3167 11199 3187 11205
TIME...MOT...LOC 0357Z 76DEG 13KT 3181 11169
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
$$
JRM4 follow-up statements
618
WWUS55 KTWC 040401
SVSTWC
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
901 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026
AZC019-040445-
/O.CON.KTWC.TO.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260804T0445Z/
Pima AZ-
901 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026
...TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 945 PM MST FOR SOUTH
CENTRAL PIMA COUNTY...
At 901 PM MST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 7 miles east of Topawa, moving west at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and ping pong ball size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
Locations impacted include...
Topawa, Vamori, South Komelik, Cowlic and Fresnal Canyon.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building
away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a
vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself
from flying debris.
Heavy rainfall is hiding this tornado. Do not wait to see or hear the
tornado. Take cover now!
&&
LAT...LON 3189 11165 3178 11153 3167 11199 3187 11205
TIME...MOT...LOC 0357Z 76DEG 13KT 3181 11170
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN
$$
JRM984
WWUS55 KTWC 040413
SVSTWC
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
913 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026
AZC019-040445-
/O.CON.KTWC.TO.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260804T0445Z/
Pima AZ-
913 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026
...TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 945 PM MST FOR SOUTH
CENTRAL PIMA COUNTY...
At 913 PM MST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located over Topawa, moving west at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and ping pong ball size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornado will be near...
Topawa around 915 PM MST.
Other locations impacted by the tornado include South Komelik,
Vamori, Cowlic and Itak.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building
away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a
vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself
from flying debris.
Tornadoes are difficult to observe at night. Take cover now!
&&
LAT...LON 3188 11176 3174 11172 3167 11199 3187 11205
TIME...MOT...LOC 0401Z 78DEG 22KT 3181 11176
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.50 IN
$$
JRM764
WWUS55 KTWC 040423
SVSTWC
Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
923 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026
AZC019-040445-
/O.CON.KTWC.TO.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260804T0445Z/
Pima AZ-
923 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026
...TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 945 PM MST FOR SOUTH
CENTRAL PIMA COUNTY...
At 923 PM MST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Topawa, moving west at 20 mph.
HAZARD...Tornado and quarter size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.
IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without
shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage
to roofs, windows and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is
likely.
This tornado will be near...
Topawa around 925 PM MST.
Other locations impacted by the tornado include Vamori, Cowlic and
Itak.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-built building
away from windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a
vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself
from flying debris.
Tornadoes are difficult to observe at night. Take cover now!
&&
LAT...LON 3183 11185 3172 11179 3167 11199 3180 11203
TIME...MOT...LOC 0413Z 74DEG 18KT 3179 11183
TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...1.00 IN
$$
JRM278 WWUS55 KTWC 040431 SVSTWC Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service Tucson AZ 931 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026 AZC019-040441- /O.CAN.KTWC.TO.W.0001.000000T0000Z-260804T0445Z/ Pima AZ- 931 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026 ...TORNADO WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR SOUTH CENTRAL PIMA COUNTY... The tornado threat has diminished and the Tornado Warning has been cancelled. However, large hail and damaging winds remain likely and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect for the area. To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service office. && LAT...LON 3183 11185 3172 11179 3167 11199 3180 11203 TIME...MOT...LOC 0423Z 74DEG 18KT 3177 11189 $$ JRM
What forecasters said that day
The local office's own words before this tornado warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Tucson, AZ wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Aug 3, 1:17 PM MST, 7 hours 40 minutes earlier.
Area forecast discussion, Aug 3, 1:17 PM MST, 7 hours 40 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Tucson AZ 117 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026 .SYNOPSIS... Chances for thunderstorms will develop each afternoon and evening this week with day to day variability. Thunderstorms may produce severe outflow winds with areas of blowing dust, as well as locally heavy rainfall with a flash flooding risk. High temperatures will remain a few degrees above normal through the week. && .DISCUSSION... An upper level high currently centered over central Arizona will gradually lift north into the Four Corners through the week. The high's current position and orientation has allowed for active easterly flow to set up over southeastern Arizona, while surface dew points have increased to the upper 50s to lower 60s across the area. Under modestly divergent flow aloft, thunderstorms are expected to initiate over the Sky Islands and White Mountains early to mid afternoon today, with the easterly flow moving and expanding their coverage westward through the evening. 1000-2000 J/kg of MLCAPE and 1.2-1.6 inches of precipitable water will provide ample instability, combining with 15-25 knots of effective shear for a severe, organized thunderstorm threat. While most of southeastern Arizona has at least a 30-50 percent chance of thunderstorms today, coverage should be greatest through southern Cochise, Santa Cruz, and into south central Pima counties. It's in this area, especially Santa Cruz, where potential for multiple storm cells and subsequent flash flooding is greater. A Flood Watch remains in effect this afternoon and evening. Elsewhere today a scattered severe wind threat remains, especially where the 12Z HREF highlights the stronger potential for organized severe outflows transitioning south off the White Mountains this afternoon and this evening further west if thunderstorm outflows organize west of Tucson. These winds will likely produce a blowing dust threat, especially in dust prone areas of I-10 east of Willcox and west of Tucson into Pinal and through central to western Pima. A Blowing Dust Advisory remains in place for this potential, with the possibility that warnings will be needed where organized outflows kick up areas of very dense blowing dust. Finally, an isolated severe hail threat can't be ruled out with any sustained thunderstorm today. On Tuesday the upper high nudges north slightly while keeping easterly flow in place over the region. Again scattered thunderstorms are likely, however location will depend on today's action. 12Z guidance points to a later start with an emphasis on eastern areas, mainly Graham, Greenlee, Cochise, into Santa Cruz counties. Forecast soundings further west (such as at Tucson) show a modest warming inversion which would line up with the start in the east. A late evening push into Pima/Pinal counties however can't be ruled out, depending on the longevity and organization of outflows. The CAPE/shear parameter space will remain impressive for severe winds and blowing dust, along with an isolated flash flooding risk. Additional blowing dust headlines for tomorrow in eastern locations may be needed if this trend continues. Favorable flow for monsoon activity continues through the week with the upper high drifting north towards the Four Corners with day to day variability. Forecast high temperatures will fall to 2-4 degrees above normal, with some variability due to thunderstorm activity and cloud cover. && .AVIATION...Valid through 05/00Z. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms expected to develop this afternoon mainly between 03/21Z to 04/03Z with lingering isolated activity through 04/06Z. Coverage around KTUS more likely 03/23Z-04/03Z and KOLS 03/22Z-04/04Z. Gusty erratic winds of 35-45 kts possible with any thunderstorm with potentially blowing dust. Otherwise SFC winds WLY/NWLY at 8-12 kts with occasional afternoon gusts to 20 kts. SFC winds light and terrain driven after 03/04Z. Scattered thunderstorm chances return Tuesday afternoon and evening. Aviation discussion not updated for TAF amendments. && .FIRE WEATHER... An active monsoon period looks favorable this week with daily chances for showers and thunderstorms each afternoon and evening, with day to day variability. Minimum relative humidity values will likely remain above 25-40 percent through the week with temperatures 2-4 degrees above normal. Outside of thunderstorms, winds terrain driven to around 10 mph with occasional afternoon gusts to 25 mph. && .TWC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Extreme Heat Warning until 8 PM MST this evening for AZZ501>509. Flood Watch from 2 PM this afternoon to 10 PM MST this evening for AZZ503-504-507-513-515. Blowing Dust Advisory from 2 PM this afternoon to 8 PM MST this evening for AZZ503-504-507>509. Blowing Dust Advisory from 4 PM this afternoon to 10 PM MST this evening for AZZ501-502-505-506. && DISCUSSION...Edwards AVIATION...Edwards FIRE WEATHER...Edwards Visit us on Facebook, X, YouTube, and at weather.gov/Tucson
In the hours before
Local storm report, Aug 3, 5:35 PM MST, 3 hours 22 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
535 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0430 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 18 SE Willcox 32.04N 109.66W
08/03/2026 M88 MPH Cochise AZ Public
88 mph measured gust on personal weather
station.
&&Local storm report, Aug 3, 6:03 PM MST, 2 hours 54 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
603 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0525 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 31 SE Willcox 31.88N 109.53W
08/03/2026 M58 MPH Cochise AZ Mesonet
Mesonet station GW5790 Sunizona.
0425 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 18 SE Willcox 32.04N 109.65W
08/03/2026 M59 MPH Cochise AZ Mesonet
Mesonet station DVI08030 Willcox.
&&Local storm report, Aug 3, 6:35 PM MST, 2 hours 22 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
635 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0530 PM Flash Flood 8 NE Huachuca City 31.70N 110.23W
08/03/2026 Cochise AZ Other Federal
Babocomari River near Tombstone exceeded
bankfull at 4 ft.
&&Local storm report, Aug 3, 7:27 PM MST, 1 hour 30 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
727 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0722 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 6 SW Tucson 32.13N 110.95W
08/03/2026 M68 MPH Pima AZ ASOS
ASOS station KTUS Tucson International
Airport.
&&Local storm report, Aug 3, 7:46 PM MST, 1 hour 11 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
746 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0738 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 6 SW Tucson 32.13N 110.95W
08/03/2026 M71 MPH Pima AZ ASOS
ASOS station KTUS Tucson International
Airport.
&&Local storm report, Aug 3, 8:18 PM MST, 39 minutes before
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Tucson AZ
818 PM MST Mon Aug 3 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0755 PM Tstm Wnd Gst 11 SE Picture Rocks 32.22N 111.13W
08/03/2026 M58 MPH Pima AZ Public
Private weather station at Old Tucson
recorded 58 mph wind gust.
&&The office that day
Everything else NWS Tucson, AZ issued on the same UTC day.
| Issued | Product | Office | Counties | Lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 3, 5:07 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Cochise | 53 min |
| Aug 3, 5:13 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Cochise | 3 hr |
| Aug 3, 5:29 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Cochise | 61 min |
| Aug 3, 5:29 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Cochise | 46 min |
| Aug 3, 5:42 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Cochise, Pima, Santa Cruz | 63 min |
| Aug 3, 6:13 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Cochise | 32 min |
| Aug 3, 6:21 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Cochise, Graham | 54 min |
| Aug 3, 6:33 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Pima | 42 min |
| Aug 3, 6:58 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Pima | 47 min |
| Aug 3, 7:09 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Pima | 51 min |
| Aug 3, 7:23 PM MST | Dust Storm Warning | TWC | Pima, Pinal | 85 min |
| Aug 3, 7:28 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Pima, Santa Cruz | 62 min |
| Aug 3, 7:50 PM MST | Dust Storm Warning | TWC | Pima, Santa Cruz | 115 min |
| Aug 3, 8:02 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Cochise | 118 min |
| Aug 3, 8:18 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Pima | 57 min |
| Aug 3, 8:43 PM MST | Dust Storm Warning | TWC | Pinal | 62 min |
| Aug 3, 9:15 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Pima | 60 min |
| Aug 3, 9:18 PM MST | Flash Flood Warning | TWC | Pima | 36 min |
| Aug 3, 9:39 PM MST | Tornado Warning | TWC | Pima | 21 min |
| Aug 4, 1:41 AM MST | Blowing Dust Advisory | TWC | Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz | 18 hr |
| Aug 4, 8:04 AM MST | Flood Watch | TWC | Cochise, Graham, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz | 14 hr |
| Aug 4, 4:39 PM MST | Severe Thunderstorm Warning | TWC | Greenlee | 51 min |
Nearby
Tornado Warnings in Arizona, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes 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; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.