A large cluster of very strong monsoon thunderstorms moved slowly north across the west and southwest portions of the greater Phoenix area during the afternoon and early evening hours on August 2nd. The atmosphere was very unstable and susceptible to excessively strong downburst winds and as the cluster moved north, microburst winds developed and damaged numerous homes in the Rainbow Valley community near Buckeye. At least one home was completely destroyed by the damaging winds. Further to the east, in the area around the Estrella Mountain Ranch community, very strong downburst winds toppled 3 large metal power poles maintained by SRP. As the poles went down, high tension lines fell as well and debris from the poles and lines damaged at least one home. The microburst winds that created the damage were estimated to have approached 80 mph, and possibly higher. No fatalities were reported fortunately.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 02-AUG-18 18:08:00 to 02-AUG-18 18:30:00 (MST-7)
Location: LIBERTY
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

A large cluster of intense thunderstorms moved north and across the Rainbow Valley community during the early evening hours on August 2nd. The stronger storms produced strong and damaging microburst winds estimated to be in excess of 70 mph. The strong winds damaged numerous homes in the area. According to the Buckeye Valley Fire Department, between 1800MST and 1830MST strong winds damaged between 10 and 15 homes in the Rainbow Valley area, west of Estrella Mountain Ranch and southeast of Buckeye. At least one home was completely destroyed; fortunately no one was in the home at the time of the damage. Some of the damaged homes appeared to be under construction and not completed structures. Fire department personnel also reported homes with major roof damage near 190th Avenue and Arlington Road, about 8 miles southwest of Goodyear. High tension power lines were also downed in the area. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for the area at 1812MST and it continued through 1845MST.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 02-AUG-18 18:30:00 to 02-AUG-18 18:30:00 (MST-7)
Location: LIBERTY
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorms with gusty and damaging winds moved north and across the southwest portion of the greater Phoenix area during the early evening hours on August 2nd. Some of the stronger storms affected the Estrella Mountain Ranch community. According to a public report, as well as an on-line article on azfamily.com, at about 1830MST gusty outflow winds damaged homes in the Estrella Mountain Ranch subdivision; several trees were downed and some garage doors were caved in due to the gusty winds. Roof tiles were also blown off of at least one roof. Wind gusts were estimated as high as 65 mph. No injuries were reported due to the wind damage.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 02-AUG-18 19:14:00 to 02-AUG-18 19:15:00 (MST-7)
Location: BUCKEYE MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorms with very strong winds slowly moved north and across the western portion of the greater Phoenix area during the early evening hours on August 2nd. Some of the stronger storms generated gusty and damaging outflow winds that affected the community of Buckeye. According to a report from the public, at 1914MST gusty winds estimated to be at least 65 mph in strength overturned a semi tractor-trailer truck along Interstate 10 at milepost 110. This was about 2 miles to the east of the Buckeye airport. No injuries were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARICOPA, ARIZONA
From 02-AUG-18 18:30:00 to 02-AUG-18 18:55:00 (MST-7)
Location: LIBERTY
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

A large cluster of thunderstorms moved steadily north and through the southwest and western portion of the greater Phoenix area during the early evening hours on August 2nd. Some of the stronger storms produced gusty, damaging microburst winds that impacted the Estrella Mountain Ranch area to the south of Goodyear. City of Goodyear officials, as well as SRP personnel, reported that around 1830MST, damaging winds blew down 3 large metal transmission towers in a one mile stretch in the Estrella Mountain Ranch community. High tension power lines were downed as well; some of the lines as well as debris from collapsing towers fell on and damaged at least one home in the area. Wind gusts were estimated to be at least 80 mph to cause this damage; the SRP spokesman indicated that the large metal transmission towers should be able to withstand winds upwards of 100 mph, so the actual winds may have been even greater than 80 mph. Fortunately there were no reports of injuries. A Severe Thunderstorm Warning was issued for the area at 1812MST and it was in effect through 1845MST.