Strong to severe thunderstorms brought locally high winds, heavy rains, and even a small tornado to parts of Maricopa County on thursday.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-10 16:40:00 to 29-JUL-10 16:45:00 (MST-7)
Location: PEORIA
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A section of the fabric roof at the University of Phoenix Stadium was ripped off due to the powerful winds and heavy rain.  Reporters indicated about 1,500 square feet of fabric was damaged. At about the same time, a construction trailer was blown over near 87th Avenue and Glendale.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-10 15:28:00 to 29-JUL-10 15:32:00 (MST-7)
Location: OCOTILLO
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Winds uprooted trees, tore limbs off, and ripped some roof tiles from homes near Hunt Highway and Gilbert Road.  Dense blowing dust was also reported in this area.

Thunderstorm Wind in PINAL, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-10 15:32:00 to 29-JUL-10 15:32:00 (MST-7)
Location: SANTAN
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Power poles were blown down just south of Hunt highway and Gilbert.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-10 16:28:00 to 29-JUL-10 16:28:00 (MST-7)
Location: SUNNYSLOPE
Magnitude: 53.00 MG
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Deer Valley airport recorded a gust from the southwest at 61 mph. The heavy rain reduced the visibility to a mere 1/4 mile.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-10 17:07:00 to 29-JUL-10 17:15:00 (MST-7)
Location: WINTERSBURG
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

About 7 power poles were downed by thunderstorm winds.

Dust Storm in CENTRAL DESERTS, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-10 13:45:00 to 29-JUL-10 14:51:00 (MST-7)
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

There were several reports of dense blowing dust with very poor visibility between Coolidge and Maricopa. Winds from nearby thunderstorms were generally 35 to 45 mph.

Heavy Rain in PINAL, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-10 14:09:00 to 29-JUL-10 14:09:00 (MST-7)
Location: ELOY
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Rainfall of .63 inch in only 20 minutes. Winds were estimated at 40 mph with thunderstorms.

Tornado in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-10 17:10:00 to 29-JUL-10 17:15:00 (MST-7)
Location: WINTERSBURG
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A weak tornado touched down in the Wintersburg area just south of Interstate 10. Considerable damage was reported in the area between Salome highway and I-10...mostly near 355th Avenue. The NWS survey found damage to be EF-1. One man was injured when his home was destroyed. Several homes had roofs lifted off and automobiles were picked up and moved.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-10 16:35:00 to 29-JUL-10 16:45:00 (MST-7)
Location: SUN CITY
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Winds over 70 mph in gusts were reported near the intersection of Jomax and 63rd Avenue.

Hail in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 29-JUL-10 17:20:00 to 29-JUL-10 17:20:00 (MST-7)
Location: WINTERSBURG
Magnitude: 1.00 
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Hail about one inch in diameter was reported by the public.