Was there a tornado in Tempe?
No, a microburst caused the damage.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
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Weather / Severe Weather
Phoenix Area Hit by Severe Storms, Flooding, and Microbursts
Phoenix and the East Valley were hit by severe storms on October 13, 2025, leading to flash flooding, power outages, and even a microburst in Tempe. The remnants of Hurricane Priscilla contributed to the extreme weather conditions.
Key Insights
- Severe storm warning issued for Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, and other areas.
- Heavy rain, gusty winds (over 50 mph), and small hail were reported.
- A microburst, not a tornado, caused significant damage in Tempe with winds up to 100 mph.
- Over two inches of rain fell in many Valley locations; some East Valley spots got over four inches.
- 20,000 APS and SRP customers were without power due to downed trees.
In-Depth Analysis
The Phoenix metro area experienced a barrage of severe weather events on October 13, 2025. The National Weather Service issued a severe storm warning as storms moved northeastward across the East Valley. These storms brought heavy rain, strong winds, and hail.
In Tempe, a powerful microburst caused considerable damage. Unlike a tornado, a microburst is a straight-line downdraft of wind from a thunderstorm. Although microbursts aren't tornadoes, they can pack a punch, with wind speeds reaching up to 100 mph, equivalent to an EF-1 tornado. The damage pattern is typically straight and fan-like, differing from the chaotic, multidirectional damage caused by tornadoes.
The combination of heavy rainfall and severe storms led to flash flooding across the Valley. Several locations recorded over two inches of rain, with some areas in the East Valley exceeding four inches. This caused significant disruption and potential hazards for residents.
**How to Prepare:** - Monitor weather alerts and heed warnings from local authorities. - Avoid driving through flooded areas. - Secure outdoor objects that could be blown away by strong winds. - Have a backup power source in case of outages.
**Who This Affects Most:** - Residents of the East Valley, particularly Tempe. - Individuals living in flood-prone areas. - People reliant on electricity for medical equipment or other essential needs.
FAQ
How strong was the microburst?
Wind speeds reached up to 100 mph.
What caused the severe weather?
Remnants of Hurricane Priscilla combined with typical storm patterns.
Takeaways
- Phoenix experienced severe storms, flooding, and a microburst on October 13, 2025.
- A microburst caused significant damage in Tempe, with winds up to 100 mph.
- Heavy rainfall led to flash flooding across the Valley.
- Stay informed about weather alerts and take necessary precautions during severe weather events.
Discussion
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Sources
Disclaimer
This article was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.
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