FLAGSTAFF, AZ — The National Weather Service in Flagstaff issued tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings early Tuesday for parts of northern Arizona as storms moved quickly across the region. Officials warned that one storm near Prescott Valley showed radar-indicated rotation and could produce a tornado before the warning expired at 8:15 a.m. MST.
The same weather system also brought a separate severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Coconino and Navajo counties. Meteorologists said the storms could bring quarter-size hail, damaging wind gusts and dangerous debris, with impacts extending across roadways, communities and exposed outdoor areas.
Radar-indicated rotation near Prescott Valley prompted a tornado warning
At 7:49 a.m. MST, the weather service said a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Prescott Valley and moving northeast at 40 mph. The warning covered Yavapai County in west-central Arizona and was set to remain in effect until 8:15 a.m. MST.
The hazard included tornado potential and quarter-size hail. Forecasters said the storm was detected by radar, which indicated rotation strong enough to prompt immediate action from anyone in the path of the system.
Weather officials said flying debris would be dangerous for people without shelter. They also warned that mobile homes could be damaged or destroyed, while roofs, windows, vehicles and trees could all be damaged by the storm.
Storms over Coconino and Navajo counties brought hail and 60 mph gusts
The National Weather Service also issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Coconino County and Navajo County, with the alert running until 7:15 a.m. MST, or 8:15 a.m. MDT. At 6:44 a.m. MST, forecasters said a severe thunderstorm was 9 miles south of Cow Springs, or 26 miles northeast of Tuba City, and moving north at 45 mph.
That storm was expected to produce 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. Radar indicated the storm was severe, and officials said hail damage to vehicles was likely while roofs, siding and trees could also be hit by wind damage.
Locations listed as being in the storm’s path included Shonto, Crossroads, Ts’ah Bii Kin, Cow Springs and Navajo National Monument. The warning also included Highway 160 between mile markers 348 and 371.
Earlier tornado warning near Perkinsville had already expired
Before the Prescott Valley alert, the weather service had issued another tornado warning for Coconino County that later expired. At 5:31 a.m. MST, forecasters said a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was 8 miles northeast of Perkinsville, or 20 miles north of Cottonwood, and moving northeast at 40 mph.
That earlier storm also carried the risk of quarter-size hail and radar-indicated rotation. The warning’s impacts were expected to include flying debris, roof damage, broken windows, vehicle damage and likely tree damage.
The weather service said J.D. Dam Lake was among the locations that could be affected by that storm. Even after the warning expired, the early-morning sequence showed how quickly conditions were changing across northern Arizona.
Why tornadoes are uncommon but still possible in Arizona
Arizona does see tornadoes, though they are relatively rare compared with other parts of the country. The weather service says the state averages four to six tornadoes a year, and they are usually weak and short-lived.
The state can also see funnel clouds during fall or winter thunderstorms. A funnel cloud is a rotating column of air extending from a cloud that does not reach the ground. If it touches down, it becomes a tornado.
This morning’s warnings followed that broader pattern of severe weather risk, with fast-moving thunderstorms and radar signs of rotation prompting alerts across several northern Arizona counties.
Weather officials urge shelter immediately when warnings are issued
National Weather Service safety guidance says people should get as low as possible during a tornado, with a basement or lowest floor offering the best protection. Officials also advise putting as many walls as possible between yourself and the outside and staying away from windows.
For drivers, forecasters say not to try to outrun a tornado. If possible, leave the vehicle and get inside a sturdy building. If no shelter is close, drivers should pull over, get low and cover their heads.
As a last resort, lying flat in a ditch or culvert is considered safer than staying inside a vehicle. Weather officials also warn against taking shelter under an overpass or in a tunnel, where winds and debris can become more dangerous.