Storm Hitting Arizona Sparks Rare Severe Weather Across the State

A powerful storm hitting Arizona brought golf ball-sized hail, damaging winds and multiple tornado warnings on Wednesday, October 21. The unusual October outbreak affected northern and central communities, damaged property and raised concerns about flash flooding. Forecasters also warned that more storms could develop as the system moved east.

Rare severe storm hitting Arizona

Storm Hitting Arizona Brings Giant Hail and Tornado Alerts

A strong weather system swept across Arizona overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing intense thunderstorms and dangerous conditions. 

The National Weather Service issued several alerts as large hail, powerful wind gusts and possible tornadoes threatened communities. 

Some hailstones reached 2 to 3 inches across, damaging roofs, breaking windows and denting vehicles.

The storm also brought down large trees in Flagstaff, Mesa and the Coconino National Forest. 

The tornado threat was especially unusual for this time of year. Arizona had not seen a tornado watch since October 6, 2010, the AP reported.

Meteorologists said warm, moist air moving north from the south combined with changing wind patterns to fuel the severe thunderstorms. 

A Tornado Warning is issued in Arizona

Which Areas in Arizona Faced the Worst Storm Damage?

Flagstaff and nearby parts of northern Arizona experienced some of the most intense conditions. 

Residents reported large hail striking homes and vehicles, while heavy rain and strong winds affected roads and surrounding communities. 

People also reported thunderstorms and pea- to marble-sized hail in Pine and Strawberry along the Mogollon Rim.

Prescott and parts of Yavapai County faced a heightened severe weather threat, including a Tornado Warning issued Wednesday morning. 

Farther south, Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler and Scottsdale were also at risk of severe thunderstorms, although the threat varied across the metro area.

Severe hail is reported to strike homes and vehicles across northern Arizona (Photo: FOX 10)

Use GoWeatherRadar’s interactive radar map to track precipitation patterns and see where storm activity is moving. 

Flood Threat and Further Severe Weather Concerns Across Arizona

Heavy rainfall remained a major concern after the strongest storms passed. 

A Flood Watch covered much of northern and central Arizona through Thursday evening, October 22, according to National Weather Service alerts issued Wednesday. 

Intense rainfall could cause flash flooding in normally dry washes, creeks and low-water crossings.

Additional thunderstorms were possible as the weather system shifted toward the Rocky Mountains. 

The same system also threatened parts of Southern California with heavy rain and a limited tornado risk.

Forecasters also raised the possibility that an emerging Super El Niño could contribute to a more active winter storm pattern across the southern United States. 

A strong El Niño can shift the jet stream and steer storms toward the region, but the eventual strength and impacts remain uncertain.

Residents should follow official warnings, avoid flooded roads and shelter indoors during severe thunderstorms. 

References

1. FOX Weather

2. AP News

3. FOX10 Phoenix