Rare severe storm brings large hail and tornado risks to Phoenix

A rare weather system swept through Phoenix, bringing golf-ball-sized hail and damaging wind gusts across the region. The dangerous conditions triggered tornado risks and warnings of possible flash floods for several local communities. Thunderstorms pounded northern and central parts of the state overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday.

The National Weather Service issued multiple warnings during the severe weather. Hail between 2 to 3 inches damaged roofs, shattered windows and dented cars. Forecasters urged residents to seek shelter immediately. They told people to stay away from windows.

Tornado watches were issued for multiple areas across the state. These watches marked the first Arizona has seen since Oct. 6, 2010. Warm, moist air moving north fuels storms off the California coast. Changing winds make storms spin and create tornado conditions, according to Ryan Bernhart.

Bernhart works as a National Weather Service meteorologist in Flagstaff. “This is very unusual for this area at this time of the year,” Bernhart said.

Strong winds toppled trees in Flagstaff and Mesa. Some trees landed on walls and carports. Northwest of Flagstaff, a few dozen ponderosa pines over 30 feet tall fell in the Coconino National Forest.

Bernhart described the fallen timber. “These are not small trees that are down,” Bernhart said. “These are pretty strong trees that had been knocked down.”

The National Weather Service operates local forecast offices to track severe weather threats across the country. Meteorologists issue watches and warnings to alert the public to life-threatening hazards.

The greatest threat to the Phoenix metro area remains heavy rainfall and flash flooding tonight and Thursday morning. That risk assessment comes from Mark O’Malley. O’Malley works as a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Phoenix.