Severe storm watch issued for the Valley, strong winds and dust expected

The Valley was put under a severe storm watch Wednesday, and weather officials broke down what activity residents can expect to see.

The watch, which includes the Phoenix metro area and much of southeast Arizona, is in place until 11 p.m. and warns of wind gusts of up to 70 mph as well as the possibility of isolated hail and frequent lightning.

“We’re currently seeing storms pop over the higher terrain areas east of the Phoenix metro, but … we expect that activity to slowly progress into the lower deserts over the next several hours and into the evening,” Ryan Worley, meteorologist for the National Weather Service for Phoenix, told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Worley noted that the activity could continue beyond 11 p.m. but should be less severe by then.

The meteorologist explained the main concern for the Valley is severe winds that have the potential to knock down trees or snap power poles.

“Outside of those strong gusty winds associated with storms that we may see pop over the metro, we could also be expecting some blowing dust. We do have a blowing dust advisory out for parts of the metro, mainly the southern and far western parts of the metro this evening,” Worley said. “Some storms down closer to the Tucson area could push out what we call an outflow, which could provide some reduced visibilities due to blowing dust.”

NWS was monitoring in case the outflows turn into showers or storms.

Worley added that there are chances for storms on Thursday afternoon and evening, explaining that it depends on what activity is seen Wednesday night.

“As typical with the monsoon, if one day is active, the next day typically tends to be more of a down day,” Worley said. “We could still see some thunderstorms further north and east of here tomorrow, but we might be more limited around the Phoenix metro if we do see activity this evening.”

The meteorologist noted that any rainfall on Friday and into the weekend should be confined to the high terrains and southeastern Arizona.

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