A severe thunderstorm warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Phoenix at 9:49 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20. This warning applies to Maricopa and Pinal counties.
Meteorologists warn of winds as strong as 60 mph.
Use caution: Officials warn of hail as large as 1 inch.
The National Weather Service warns: "Seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows. This storm is capable of producing damaging winds and large hail. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Report severe weather to your nearest law enforcement agency or the National Weather Service office in Phoenix AZ."
See weather radar for metro Phoenix area
What are weather service meteorologists saying?
At 9:49 p.m., the weather service issued a statement:
"The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for: Maricopa County in south central Arizona, Pinal County in southeastern Arizona, Until 10:30 p.m. MST. At 9:49 p.m. MST, a severe thunderstorm was located 6 miles southwest of Chandler Fashion Center Mall, or 6 miles west of Sun Lakes, moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD: 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.
SOURCE: Radar indicated.
IMPACT: Hail damage to vehicles is possible. Wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees possible. Locations impacted include: Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Tempe, Paradise Valley, Sun Lakes, East Mesa, Fiesta Mall, Mesa Riverview Mall, Tempe Marketplace, Downtown Mesa, Arizona State University, Salt River Indian Community, Papago Park, Arizona Mills Mall, Downtown Scottsdale, Chandler Fashion Center Mall and Chandler City Hall. This includes the following highways, AZ Route 87 between mile markers 161 and 170. AZ Route 202 between mile markers 10 and 19. AZ Route 101 between mile markers 39 and 48. US Highway 60 between mile markers 173 and 182. AZ Interstate 10 between mile markers 151 and 160. AZ Route 347 between mile markers 185 and 189."
What is a severe thunderstorm warning?
Thunderstorms are a staple in Arizona, especially during the state's monsoon season, which runs from June 15 to Sept. 30. The monsoon is characterized by intense heat, surges of moisture and atmospheric instability, creating clouds and storm chances in the afternoon.
While storms in Arizona are most frequent during the monsoon, they can happen year-round. Storms can be spotty and short-lived, while others can unleash strong winds, flashes of lightning and torrential downpours.
A severe thunderstorm warning means the area is experiencing or is about to experience a storm with winds of 58 mph or higher and/or hail an inch in diameter or larger.
Tips for staying safe during thunderstorms in Arizona
- Go indoors at the first sound of thunder. Lightning strikes can occur miles away from the parent storm.
- Resume outdoor activities 30 minutes after the storm passes.
- Avoid electronics, plumbing and windows.
- Remember to bring pets inside.
- If there is time, secure loose objects outside as these objects often become dangerous flying debris in high winds.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Severe thunderstorm warning issued for metro Phoenix area
