Strong Wind — Greater Phoenix Area, Arizona
May 26, 2012 · NOAA Storm Events record
Event narrative (NOAA)
A Pacific low pressure system and associated cold front moved to the northeast and across the central Arizona deserts during the day on May 26th. The frontal passage produced occasional strong and gusty winds, with peak gusts estimated to be in excess of 35 mph. According to the Arizona Republic, at 1045 in the morning, a wind gust estimated to be around 40 mph caused a 500 pound fence to topple over. The fence, which moved back and forth on a wheel, apparently gave way in a strong wind gust and fell on a 2 year boy, causing his death. The fence struck the young boy in the head.
Other notable strong wind events in Arizona
Source: NOAA/NCEI Storm Events Database. Deaths and injuries are those NOAA classifies as direct. Damage is the reporting office's estimate at the time and is not inflation-adjusted. This is a catalogue record, not a forecast.