Arizona Natural Disasters and Weather Extremes
The chance of earthquake damage in Arizona is much lower than the national average. The risk of tornado damage in Arizona is much lower than the national average.
Earthquake Index, #34
Arizona | 0.13 |
U.S. | 1.81 |
The earthquake index value is calculated based on historical earthquake events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the earthquake level in a region. A higher earthquake index value means a higher chance of an earthquake.
Volcano Index, #10
Arizona | 0.0015 |
U.S. | 0.0023 |
The volcano index value is calculated based on the currently known volcanoes using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the possibility of a region being affected by a possible volcano eruption. A higher volcano index value means a higher chance of being affected.
Tornado Index, #40
Arizona | 22.18 |
U.S. | 136.45 |
The tornado index value is calculated based on historical tornado events data using USA.com algorithms. It is an indicator of the tornado level in a region. A higher tornado index value means a higher chance of tornado events.
Other Weather Extremes Events
A total of 5,461 other weather extremes events from 1950 to 2010 were recorded in Arizona. The following is a break down of these events:
Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count | Type | Count |
Avalanche: | 1 | Blizzard: | 6 | Cold: | 7 | Dense Fog: | 25 | Drought: | 7 |
Dust Storm: | 182 | Flood: | 1,029 | Hail: | 813 | Heat: | 19 | Heavy Snow: | 216 |
High Surf: | 0 | Hurricane: | 0 | Ice Storm: | 3 | Landslide: | 10 | Strong Wind: | 310 |
Thunderstorm Winds: | 1,970 | Tropical Storm: | 1 | Wildfire: | 72 | Winter Storm: | 88 | Winter Weather: | 8 |
Other: | 694 |
Volcanos Nearby
A total of 10 volcanoes are found in or near Arizona.
Name | Region | Latitude | Longitude | Elevation (foot) | Type | Status | Last Eruption |
Sunset Crater | US-Arizona, United States | 35.37 | -111.5 | 2447 | Cinder cone | Dendrochronology | Last known eruption A.D. 1-1499 |
Uinkaret Field | US-Arizona, United States | 36.38 | -113.13 | 1555 | Volcanic field | Holocene | Undated, but probable Holocene eruption |
Pinacate | Mexico, Mexico | 31.772 | -113.498 | 1200 | Cinder cone | Holocene | Undated, but probable Holocene eruption |
Zuni-Bandera | US-New Mexico, United States | 34.8 | -108 | 2550 | Volcanic field | Anthropology | Last known eruption B.C. (Holocene) |
Bald Knoll | US-Utah, United States | 37.328 | -112.408 | 2135 | Cinder cone | Holocene | Unknown |
Kolob | US-Utah, United States | 37.33 | -113.12 | 2727 | Volcanic field | Holocene | Unknown |
Santa Clara | US-Utah, United States | 37.257 | -113.625 | 1465 | Volcanic field | Holocene | Undated, but probable Holocene eruption |
Amboy | US-California, United States | 34.55 | -115.78 | 288 | Cinder cone | Holocene | Undated, but probable Holocene eruption |
Markagunt Plateau | US-Utah, United States | 37.58 | -112.67 | 2840 | Volcanic field | Dendrochronology | Last known eruption A.D. 1-1499 |
Prieto, Cerro | Mexico, Mexico | 32.418 | -115.305 | 223 | Lava dome | Holocene | Unknown |
Historical Earthquake Events
A total of 23 historical earthquake events that had recorded magnitudes of 3.5 or above found in Arizona.
Date | Magnitude | Depth (km) | Latitude | Longitude |
1980-06-09 | 6.1 | 5 | 32.22 | -114.98 |
1976-02-04 | 5.2 | 12 | 34.66 | -112.5 |
1959-10-13 | 5 | N/A | 35.5 | -111.5 |
1978-03-11 | 5 | 5 | 32.26 | -115.12 |
1978-03-12 | 4.9 | 5 | 32.26 | -115.11 |
1957-07-04 | 4.8 | N/A | 32 | -113 |
1978-03-12 | 4.7 | 5 | 32.23 | -115.14 |
1977-01-17 | 4.6 | 25 | 32.47 | -115.18 |
1976-02-09 | 4.6 | 10 | 34.61 | -112.53 |
1962-02-15 | 4.5 | N/A | 36.9 | -112.4 |
1969-12-25 | 4.4 | N/A | 33.4 | -110.6 |
1978-03-16 | 4.2 | 5 | 32.3 | -115.12 |
1971-03-08 | 4.1 | 9 | 36.79 | -112.14 |
1963-09-11 | 4.1 | N/A | 33.2 | -110.7 |
1971-03-09 | 4.1 | 9 | 36.79 | -112.14 |
1942-08-11 | 4 | 16 | 35.82 | -114.63 |
1972-04-20 | 3.7 | 5 | 35.3 | -111.6 |
1971-11-04 | 3.7 | 5 | 35.2 | -112.2 |
1980-06-01 | 3.6 | 5 | 35.39 | -111.99 |
1978-03-10 | 3.5 | 5 | 32.33 | -115.03 |
1976-04-19 | 3.5 | 5 | 35.39 | -109.1 |
1976-02-23 | 3.5 | 10 | 34.68 | -112.43 |
1941-03-22 | 3.5 | N/A | 36 | -114.6 |
Historical Tornado Events
A total of 17 historical tornado events that had recorded magnitude of 2 or above found in Arizona.
Date | Magnitude | Start Lat/Log | End Lat/Log | Length | Width | Fatalities | Injuries | Property Damage | Crop Damage | Affected County | |
1957-08-04 | 3 | 32°51'N / 113°12'W | 12.00 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 0 | 3K | 0 | Maricopa | ||
1972-08-10 | 3 | 34°45'N / 112°28'W | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0 | Yavapai | ||||
2010-10-06 | 3 | 35°55'N / 111°00'W | 0 | 0 | 200K | 0K | Coconino | ||||
Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: A tornado collapsed three 500 KV electrical transmission towers. The towers were of metal truss construction. One tower was completely flattened. Photographic evidence and first-hand reports were provided by Arizona Public Service. Tornado damage intensity is rated at EF-3. Damage path length indeterminable. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A strong low pressure center over California pushed abundant moisture over Arizona producing widespread thunderstorms with numerous severe storms. Strong vertical wind shear...with helicity in the 400-450 range...also provided an environment for supper cell development. There were eight confirmed tornadoes on October 6, 2010 across northern Arizona. This breaks the old record for the most tornadoes in Arizona for one day. The Arizona Governor signed a declaration of emergency for Coconino Country for $200,000 to be used for emergency response and public infrastructure repair. | |||||||||||
1959-08-17 | 2 | 32°36'N / 114°06'W | 0 | 1 | 250K | 0 | Yuma | ||||
1964-08-27 | 2 | 32°12'N / 111°01'W | 2 | 9 | 25K | 0 | Pima | ||||
1968-07-04 | 2 | 33°24'N / 111°45'W | 0 | 2 | 25K | 0 | Maricopa | ||||
1968-10-03 | 2 | 33°30'N / 112°24'W | 33°30'N / 112°25'W | 0 | 3 | 250K | 0 | Maricopa | |||
1971-08-30 | 2 | 33°22'N / 111°55'W | 33°25'N / 111°52'W | 4.70 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 41 | 2.5M | 0 | Maricopa | |
1971-09-14 | 2 | 33°27'N / 112°16'W | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Maricopa | ||||
1972-06-21 | 2 | 33°28'N / 112°00'W | 33°39'N / 111°55'W | 13.50 Miles | 33 Yards | 0 | 3 | 25.0M | 0 | Maricopa | |
1992-10-24 | 2 | 35°26'N / 111°32'W | 35°30'N / 111°30'W | 5.50 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 25K | 0 | Coconino | |
1993-01-17 | 2 | 33°37'N / 111°54'W | 2.10 Miles | 50 Yards | 0 | 0 | 5.0M | 0 | Maricopa | ||
Brief Description: Eighteen homes sustained damage, 4 with major damage, many trees and signs blown over by tornado. Most damage occurred when the tornado moved east from 59th and Clinton to 72nd and Cholla. Controllers from the nearby Scottsdale Airport watched this tornado move through this ,north Scottsdale residential area. | |||||||||||
1994-07-28 | 2 | 32°23'N / 111°01'W | 2.00 Miles | 25 Yards | 0 | 0 | 500K | 0 | Pima | ||
Brief Description: A tornado touched down on the Hill Top area of northwest Tucson. The tornado travelled in a west-northwest direction, and its width varied from about a yard to 50 yards. The 7700 blocks of Soledad and Redwing Circle were particularly hit hard. A back porch and much of the roof of one home was destroyed, an entire roof was removed from another house and scattered in nearby yards, two large evaporative coolers were thrown into a backyard swimming pool, and large trees were uprooted. Also, cars were damaged by flying debris, windows were shattered, and a brick wall was flattened. | |||||||||||
2010-10-06 | 2 | 34°59'N / 111°52'W | 35°28'N / 111°46'W | 34.00 Miles | 400 Yards | 0 | 7 | 1.0M | 0K | Coconino | |
Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: Considerable structural damage in and around the community of Bellemont. Aerial and ground surveys verified a semi-continuous tornado path from at least 15 miles south of Bellemont, extending northward crossing Highway 180 three times northwest of Flagstaff. The tornado crossed Highway 180 near mile posts 230, 234, and 240. Total discontinuous path length of at least 34 miles. Damage survey strongly suggests tornadic cycling with at least 2 tornadoes likely. Tornado passed 2/3 mile east of the NWS Bellemont Weather Forecast office. Damage from this tornado included: -7 minor injuries. -Over 100 homes damaged in Bellemont, 21 homes sustaining significant damage (deemed uninhabitable). -At least one business (RV Sales) with damage with 30+ RV units demolished and tossed onto Interstate 40. Interstate closed for several hours. -At least one overturned truck on the Interstate. -Numerous forest roads blocked, campers stranded by fallen trees. -Around 75 power poles knocked down. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A strong low pressure center over California pushed abundant moisture over Arizona producing widespread thunderstorms with numerous severe storms. Strong vertical wind shear...with helicity in the 400-450 range...also provided an environment for supper cell development. There were eight confirmed tornadoes on October 6, 2010 across northern Arizona. This breaks the old record for the most tornadoes in Arizona for one day. The Arizona Governor signed a declaration of emergency for Coconino Country for $200,000 to be used for emergency response and public infrastructure repair. | |||||||||||
2010-10-06 | 2 | 34°58'N / 111°52'W | 35°01'N / 111°52'W | 3.00 Miles | 200 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0K | Coconino | |
Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: Short path of significant tornado damage between two other tracks near the Mogollon Rim. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A strong low pressure center over California pushed abundant moisture over Arizona producing widespread thunderstorms with numerous severe storms. Strong vertical wind shear...with helicity in the 400-450 range...also provided an environment for supper cell development. There were eight confirmed tornadoes on October 6, 2010 across northern Arizona. This breaks the old record for the most tornadoes in Arizona for one day. The Arizona Governor signed a declaration of emergency for Coconino Country for $200,000 to be used for emergency response and public infrastructure repair. | |||||||||||
2010-10-06 | 2 | 35°00'N / 111°52'W | 35°29'N / 111°46'W | 32.00 Miles | 800 Yards | 0 | 0 | 400K | 0K | Coconino | |
Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: Bellemont Tornado #2 (5:54 - 6:50 AM): This tornado caused extensive forest damage (primarily south of Bellemont), along a discontinuous track which extended from 15 miles south of Bellemont, eventually crossing Hwy 180 northwest of Flagstaff. Very wide, severe forest damage (EF-2) occurred in the forest south of Bellemont. Tornado visually sighted by NWS staff at the Bellemont Weather Forecast Office. Tornado passed 1/3 mile west of the NWS Bellemont Weather Forecast office. Additional damage stats include: -28 rail cars derailed in Bellemont. -Semi trucks and trailers were overturned on I-40. -Power poles snapped on Camp Navajo. -Numerous forest roads blocked and campers were stranded by fallen trees. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A strong low pressure center over California pushed abundant moisture over Arizona producing widespread thunderstorms with numerous severe storms. Strong vertical wind shear...with helicity in the 400-450 range...also provided an environment for supper cell development. There were eight confirmed tornadoes on October 6, 2010 across northern Arizona. This breaks the old record for the most tornadoes in Arizona for one day. The Arizona Governor signed a declaration of emergency for Coconino Country for $200,000 to be used for emergency response and public infrastructure repair. | |||||||||||
2010-10-06 | 2 | 34°58'N / 111°55'W | 35°15'N / 111°51'W | 19.00 Miles | 500 Yards | 0 | 0 | 0K | 0K | Coconino | |
Brief Description: EVENT NARRATIVE: Garjon Tank Tornado (6:50 - 7:14 AM MST): This tornado caused extensive forest damage south of Bellemont. Based on severity of forest damage, this tornado is rated an EF-2. There was some evidence of tornadic cycling with three individual tornadoes possible. Tornado passed 2 miles west of the National Weather Service Office. EPISODE NARRATIVE: A strong low pressure center over California pushed abundant moisture over Arizona producing widespread thunderstorms with numerous severe storms. Strong vertical wind shear...with helicity in the 400-450 range...also provided an environment for supper cell development. There were eight confirmed tornadoes on October 6, 2010 across northern Arizona. This breaks the old record for the most tornadoes in Arizona for one day. The Arizona Governor signed a declaration of emergency for Coconino Country for $200,000 to be used for emergency response and public infrastructure repair. |
* The information on this page is based on the global volcano database, the U.S. earthquake database of 1638-1985, and the U.S. Tornado and Weather Extremes database of 1950-2010.