Golf-ball-sized hail and strong winds batter Arizona in rare storm

Overnight Tuesday into Wednesday a rare severe storm swept through northern and central Arizona, producing hail the size of golf balls that battered roofs, shattered windows and dented vehicles. The National Weather Service released multiple alerts, including tornado watches—the first in the state since October 2010—and flash-flood warnings for the Phoenix metro region. Meteorologist Ryan Bernhart noted the timing was atypical, while strong winds felled trees in Flagstaff and Mesa, some landing on structures.

In the Coconino National Forest, dozens of mature ponderosa pines over 30 feet tall were knocked down. Mark O’Malley warned that heavy rain could cause flash flooding later Thursday. The storm was reported from Las Vegas by Jessica Hill.