Dust storm warning issued for parts of Valley as severe storm watch in place

A dust storm warning was issued for part of the East Valley while the Phoenix metro area was under a severe storm watch Wednesday.

The National Weather Service for Phoenix issued a dust storm warning for Queen Creek and areas in Pinal County until 8:45 p.m. The weather authority said the wall of dust was moving northwest at 25 mph and warned residents about visibility being reduced to a quarter mile.

NWS explained that outflow boundaries were pushing toward the greater Phoenix area with more storms forming behind them.

Additionally, a severe storm watch, which includes the Phoenix metro area and much of southeast Arizona, is in place until 11 p.m. NWS said wind gusts of up to 70 mph were possible as well as isolated hail and frequent lightning.

Meteorologist Ryan Worley told KTAR News 92.3 FM 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.

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

Could the Valley see storms on Thursday?

Worley said 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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