Brace for Impact: Severe Storm and Dust Alert Issued for This Afternoon

Severe weather conditions are anticipated tonight in Maricopa, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Thunderstorms and blowing dust are expected to impact the region.

“The best chances right now are going to be down by Tucson, but by this evening at 6 p.m., chances will increase for the Maricopa area to 30% or 40% chances for thunderstorms,” reported NWS Phoenix meteorologist Matt Salerno at 11:15 a.m.

Surrounding areas are also facing the same likelihood of scattered thunderstorms. “Those thunderstorms could definitely produce strong wind gusts, which could create some blowing dust,” added Salerno. A severe thunderstorm watch and dust storm warning have been issued for Maricopa from 3 p.m. through 7 p.m., predicting visibility might drop to a mile or less.

Residents are advised to pull over if visibility becomes significantly impaired and to be cautious of flash flooding. “There could be a storm that reaches Maricopa, but it also may miss Maricopa,” Salerno explained. “Depending on where the storms impact the area the most, there could be heavy rainfall or gusty winds up to 40 miles per hour.”