Phoenix, AZ – A severe microburst event in Phoenix on July 24 resulted in the collapse of a warehouse and widespread damage across the city. The microbursts, characterized by the downward acceleration of strong winds from thunderstorms, wreaked havoc as they swept through north-central Phoenix.
According to the National Weather Service, the first report of wind damage occurred around 8:40 PM MST at the intersection of 35th Ave and West Peoria Ave, where palm trees toppled over power lines. The storm, which tracked south just west of the Interstate 17 corridor, produced a series of strong microbursts with wind speeds exceeding 70 mph.
Around 9:00 PM MST, an intense microburst caused the total collapse of a warehouse facility near 47th Ave and Van Buren St. Photos from local media showed the building’s roof completely missing, and walls caved inwards. Tragically, a man was found deceased in the rubble days later after a lengthy search and rescue operation.
Additional damage included nearby commercial buildings with solar panels lifted off roofs, flipped semi-trucks, and uprooted large trees. The only ground truth recorded wind speed was 59 mph from a nearby SRP mesonet station, though radar estimates suggested speeds up to 80 mph.
Authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage, with recovery efforts ongoing. The incident underscores the destructive potential of microbursts and the importance of severe weather preparedness.
