A potent weather system is targeting Tucson. The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Pima County, effective immediately, and a severe thunderstorm watch for all of Southeast Arizona for Sunday. Residents face a two-phase threat: blowing dust tonight and severe thunderstorms on Sunday.
Dust Concerns This Evening
Wind gusts could reach 70 mph this evening. Visibility will drop sharply. The azfamily.com report warns of “dust concerns” from late afternoon through nightfall. Driving conditions will become hazardous, especially on interstates 10 and 19. Seek sturdy shelter. Avoid outdoor activities until winds subside.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Pima County
The warning covers Tucson and Mount Lemmon. The National Weather Service predicts damaging winds, hail up to quarter-size, and flash flooding. “Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows,” the agency stated in its alert. Flash flood warnings are also in effect for Pinal and Pima counties, per azcentral.com coverage. Do not drive through flooded roadways.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch for All of Southeast Arizona
Sunday brings a new wave of storms. The KOLD.com report notes: “High winds and blowing dust are a concern again Sunday.” The severe thunderstorm watch extends across all of Southeast Arizona, including Cochise, Santa Cruz, and Graham counties. Storms are expected to intensify late Sunday afternoon. Hazards include large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes.
Safety Preparations
Have an emergency kit ready. Charge phones and devices. Monitor local weather apps and the National Weather Service for real-time alerts. Avoid windows during storms. Do not attempt to cross flooded washes or roads.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What are the main weather threats for Tucson tonight and Sunday?
- A: Tonight, blowing dust with wind gusts up to 70 mph will cause hazardous driving conditions, especially on interstates 10 and 19. On Sunday, severe thunderstorms bring damaging winds, quarter-size hail, flash flooding, and additional blowing dust across all of Southeast Arizona.
- Q: Which areas are under the severe thunderstorm warning and watch?
- A: A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for Pima County, including Tucson and Mount Lemmon. A severe thunderstorm watch covers all of Southeast Arizona, including Cochise, Santa Cruz, and Graham counties.
- Q: What safety precautions should residents take?
- A: Residents should seek sturdy shelter tonight and avoid outdoor activities. During thunderstorms, stay inside a well-built structure away from windows. Never drive through flooded roadways, as flash flood warnings are in effect for Pinal and Pima counties.
Extended Reading
This report references alerts from the National Weather Service, azfamily.com, azcentral.com, and KOLD.com. No product, patent, or project specific to HA Viewpoint was cited in the provided source materials. For continuous updates, consult local news outlets and the National Weather Service Tucson office.