Golf-ball-sized hail batters Arizona in rare western storm

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 02:32 · Archive

Golf-ball-sized hail and strong winds pounded northern and central Arizona on Wednesday in a rare severe storm.

Golf-ball-sized hail and damaging wind gusts pounded northern and central Arizona on Wednesday in a rare severe storm. The National Weather Service issued multiple warnings as severe thunderstorms moved through the state overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday, with hail measuring 2 to 3 inches striking the region.

The hail damaged property across affected areas, with reports of roofs pummelled, windows shattered and cars dented. Strong winds toppled trees in Flagstaff and Mesa, with some landing on walls and carports. A few dozen ponderosa pines over 30 feet tall were knocked down in the Coconino National Forest, northwest of Flagstaff.

Tornado watches were issued for multiple areas, the first the state has seen since October 2010. Ryan Bernhart, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Flagstaff, said warm moist air moving north from the California coast fuels the storms, and changing winds can make them spin, creating tornado conditions. 'This is very unusual for this area at this time of the year,' Bernhart said.

The greatest threat to the Phoenix metro area is heavy rainfall and flash flooding, according to Mark O'Malley, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Phoenix.

How it is being reported

• Hail the size of golf balls pummel parts of Arizona as rare storm moves through the WestThe National Weather Service issued multiple warnings across parts of Arizona on Wednesday, including severe thunderstorm warnings that brought large hail the size of golf balls.News4Jax · 22 Oct, 02:01
• Hail the size of golf balls pummel parts of Arizona as rare storm moves through the WestThe National Weather Service issued multiple warnings across parts of Arizona on Wednesday, including severe thunderstorm warnings that brought large hail the size of golf balls.Clickorlando · 22 Oct, 02:01

In this story: Arizona · National Weather Service · Flagstaff · Mesa · Phoenix · Coconino National Forest

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