Storm near Phoenix
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
- Largest hail
- —none reported
- Strongest wind
- 70 mphgust
- Tornadoes
- 0none reported
- Reports
- 3within 15 mi
3 reports
- 70 mph gust (estimated)12.4 mi NE of central Phoenix4.7 mi SSE of Scottsdale Muni · Maricopa County · Broadcast Media
Multiple large trees were uprooted in the McCormick Ranch neighborhood in Scottsdale. Most of the significant tree damage occurred near the intersection of Via de Ventura and Hayden Road in Scottsdale. The large uprooted trees caused significant damage to the Avia McCormick Ranch Apartment Complex as the downed trees destroyed a side roof, damaged vehicles, and blocked road access around the complex, forcing the Scottsdale Fire Department to evacuate several units as some residents were trapped inside. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 70 mph. No injuries were reported.
- 70 mph gust (estimated)11.3 mi NE of central Phoenix3.8 mi ESE of Paradise Vly · Maricopa County · Broadcast Media
Approximately 30 large trees were uprooted at the McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 70 mph. No injuries were reported.
- 70 mph gust (estimated)13.2 mi NE of central Phoenix3.5 mi SSE of Scottsdale Muni · Maricopa County · Public
Multiple large uprooted trees inside the Cochise Elementary School campus located along East Mountain View Road in Scottsdale. Wind gusts were estimated upwards of 70 mph. No injuries were reported.
What the National Weather Service wrote
With the subtropical high pressure system situated across northern AZ, the steering flow was from the east. Riding underneath the subtropical high was an easterly disturbance near the International Border, which helped enhance the easterly flow at mid-levels upwards of 25 kts as well as the forcing for ascent. MLCAPE values between 1000-1500 J/KG and DCAPE values in excess of 1500 J/KG resulted in an environment favorable for strong to severe downburst winds. The enhanced easterly flow, which increased the vertical shear upwards of 25-30 kts, contributed to the overall storm organization and thus for most of the thunderstorm activity to become severe. Thunderstorm activity first developed across the higher terrain areas of eastern and southeastern AZ with additional activity developing over the lower deserts via outflow boundaries.