Officials on Monday issued a tornado warning for northeastern parts of the Valley, which has since expired. Potentially dangerous storms are still expected in the area.
The warning was issued by the National Weather Service just after noon on Monday. The warning was in effect until 12:45 p.m. and was not extended, according to the NWS.
Affected areas included Cave Creek, Carefree, and Camp Creek. It was recommended that individuals in the affected areas stay indoors during the warning.
Tornado Warning including Cave Creek AZ, Carefree AZ, Camp Creek AZ until 12:45 PM MST pic.twitter.com/M5BDw2fuIE
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) September 23, 2019
Severe weather is still expected in the area and across the state Monday, with possible heavy rain, hail, and strong winds.
Although the warning has expired, the National Weather Service says that there is still a chance for an isolated tornado.
The tornado warning has expired for New River-Cave Creek but storms are continuing. The threats of hail, strong wind, heavy rain...and yes, an isolated tornado, is possible. #azwx
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) September 23, 2019
Officials recommend to take caution during these storms.
UPDATE: Tornado Warning EXPIRED for the Cave Creek/Carefree area. Heavy rain, strong winds, large hail still possible
Stay indoors#abc15wx https://t.co/soWlf9h6gU
— Iris Hermosillo (@IrisABC15) September 23, 2019
A tornado may not be visible, but winds can still be very strong and can cause damages during tornado warnings.
Check radar for the latest weather information.
While we may not see them as often as other parts of the country, tornadoes are possible -- and do happen -- in Arizona.
In fact, the state averages about four tornadoes each year, according to a graphic made by the National Weather Service in Phoenix, using data from the Storm Prediction Center.
According to that graphic, 247 tornadoes, ranging from EF-0 to EF-3, have been recorded between 1950 - 2017.
The top three years for tornado activity are 1972 (16 tornadoes), 1992 (14 tornadoes), and 2010 (12 tornadoes).
Thanks to @NWSPhoenix for the graphic. Tornados do occur in Arizona though it seems that only one EF-3 is on here and it's in the north on or near the Navajo tribal lands. Please correct me if I am wrong. pic.twitter.com/aFzzT1puku
— The AZ - abc15 - Data Guru (@Garrett_Archer) September 23, 2019
