Arizona tornado, New Mexico flash flood threat, I-10 dust storms as turbulent weather hits Southwest

Flash flooding, dust storms and even a tornado has occurred in the desert Southwest. This stormy weather has to do with a combination of remnant moisture from Tropical Storm Lorena and a storm system in the Southwest.

Flash flood watches and warnings remain in effect for Arizona and New Mexico throughout Tuesday as tropical moisture continues to move into the area producing an additional couple inches of rain.

Some areas in Arizona have already received up to 5 inches of rain creating areas of flash flooding.

There was also a tornado reported just north of Phoenix. The last time there was a tornado warning for the Phoenix area was in 2016.

ARIZONA TORNADO: Arizona averages 4 tornadoes a year – they had at least one yesterday! Captured here from New River, AZ
: Fredda Psaltis pic.twitter.com/0N5f2ecgux

— Ginger Zee (@Ginger_Zee) September 24, 2019

Numerous funnel clouds were spotted in the region, some captured on TV news video, but they didn’t touch ground and there were no immediate reports of any damage.

While the Southwest does not see them as often as other parts of the country, tornadoes are possible — and do happen. In fact, Arizona averages about four tornadoes a year, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

Dust storms have also produced winds up to 60 mph creating near zero visibility on Interstate 10 in parts of Arizona and New Mexico.

Associated Press