Weather alerts, 3TV forecast

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Statement as of 3:36 PM MST on May 15, 2008

... A Severe Thunderstorm Warning remains in effect until 415 PM MST for west central Pinal and east central Maricopa counties...

At 331 PM MST... National Weather Service Doppler radar continued to indicate a severe thunderstorm capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. This storm was located near Higley... or 7 miles east of Gilbert... moving southwest at 28 mph. Other locations in the warning include but are not limited to Queen Creek... Chandler Heights... Santan... Bapchule... Sacaton and Olberg

Dust Storm Warning

Statement as of 3:36 PM MST on May 15, 2008

... Dust Storm Warning in effect until 5 PM MST this afternoon...

The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a dust Storm Warning... which is in effect until 5 PM MST this afternoon. A strong outflow boundary from thunderstorms northeast of the Phoenix area was producing a large area of dense blowing dust in east-central Maricopa and north-central Pinal counties. Locations included in this warning are the southeast valley of the greater Phoenix area... including the cities of Mesa... Gilbert... Chandler... Apache Junction... Queen Creek... and Florence.

A dust Storm Warning is issued when winds have generated large areas of blowing dust or blowing sand that have substantially reduced visibilities... to 1/4 mile or less... resulting in hazardous driving conditions in some areas. Be ready for a sudden drop in visibility to near zero. Use extra caution and slow dow while driving... as objects on and near roadways will be seen only at close range. If you encounter blowing dust or blowing sand on the roadway or see it approaching... pull off the Road as far as possible and put your vehicle in Park. Turn the lights all the way off and keep your foot off the brake pedal.

Special Weather Statement

Statement as of 3:15 PM MST on May 15, 2008

... Strong thunderstorms affecting east central Maricopa County...

north central Pinal County...

At 314 PM MST... National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated a strong storm 5 miles west of Apache Junction... moving southwest at 30 mph. Locations in the path of this strong storm include Queen Creek... Olberg... Bapchule and Chandler Heights. The primary threat will be gusty winds of 45 to 55 mph... which can cause unsecured objects to blow around. Seek shelter indoors until the storm passes.

Local Storm Report

05/15/2008 0335 PM

4 miles NNW of Queen Creek, Maricopa County. Dust storm, reported by NWS employee. Vsby less than 1/4 mile at Mesa Gateway Airport

Public Information Statement

Statement as of 3:21 PM MST on May 15, 2008

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has just been issued for a portion of south-central or southwest Arizona... or far southeast California. Please follow these safety rules if severe weather threatens your area. If you are caught outside during a severe thunderstorm... seek Refuge from the storm in a strong building. Boaters on area lakes should take shelter. Intense lightning... very strong winds... hail and very heavy rain may combine to make for very dangerous conditions in and around the water.

Severe thunderstorms produce damaging wind in excess of 60 mph... destructive hail... deadly lightning... and possible very heavy rain. For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home or business. Heavy rains flood roads quickly so do not drive into areas where water covers the Road. Severe thunderstorms may infrequently produce weak... short lived tornadoes.

In addition to large hail and damaging winds... extremely intense lightning is likely with severe thunderstorms. Stay away from tall objects. Move indoors if possible. When indoors... stay away from windows and doors and avoid using the telephones and electrical equipment. Stay out of bathtubs or showers because lightning can travel through water pipes.

Never touch downed or broken power lines. Do not handle live electric equipment in wet areas. Report broken utility lines to the appropriate authorities. Strong thunderstorm winds can also produce dust storms with a sudden drop to near zero visibility in desert areas. If you get caught in a dust storm while driving... pull off to the side of the Road as far as you can... put your vehicle in Park... Turn your lights all the way off... and take your foot off the brake. If somebody sees your tail lights... he or she may think that you are still on the Road. This is the reason for turning your lights all the way off and taking your foot off the brake.