Arizona, Tempe Microburst Storm swept through on Monday afternoon, leaving more than 130 residents displaced and causing widespread damage, city officials said.
According to the City of Tempe, several apartment buildings sustained “severe” damage as the storm tore through the area around 1 p.m. local time, lasting just over three hours. Power outages affected at least 34,000 customers at the height of the storm.
Tempe Microburst Storm Leaves 130 Displaced
The NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory defines a microburst as “a small, concentrated downburst that produces an outward burst of strong winds near the surface,” typically less than 2.5 miles in diameter, according to the National Weather Service.
The Phoenix Zoo also suffered significant damage from the same storm system that swept through the valley. While numerous trees were uprooted and pathways blocked by debris, the zoo confirmed that no animals, guests, or staff were injured.
The zoo will remain closed for the next two days as crews work on cleanup and restoration efforts.
