FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The severe weather threat for the Southwest has increased, with a Level 3 of 5 Enhanced Risk now in place for parts of central Arizona on Wednesday afternoon. Damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes are all possible. A rare tornado risk also extends to the Southern California coast, including Los Angeles and San Diego. A risk this high is unusual for the region and could make Wednesday a high-end severe weather day.
Level 3 Risk Centered on Central Arizona
The Enhanced Risk covers a core area of central Arizona around Flagstaff, Prescott, Holbrook, and Show Low. This zone has the highest tornado chances on Wednesday afternoon. The strongest tornadoes in this area could reach about EF-1 strength.
A Level 2 Slight Risk surrounds the core, reaching Phoenix, Globe, Kingman, Page, and Safford. Storms in this zone could still produce damaging winds and hail. Residents across these areas should stay alert through the afternoon and evening.
Level 1 Risk Covers Much of the Region
A broader Level 1 Marginal Risk stretches from St. George and Parowan in southern Utah to Tucson and Nogales near the Mexico border. Areas near Gallup and Silver City in New Mexico are also included. Isolated severe storms are possible across this wide area.
Las Vegas sits near the western edge of the risk zone. Places like Parker and Blythe along the Colorado River are just outside it. Conditions could still change as the day goes on.
Rare Tornado Risk for Southern California
A Level 1 risk also covers the Southern California coast, from Lompoc and Santa Barbara south through Los Angeles, Oceanside, and San Diego. Tornadoes are rare in this region, but the strong storm system could support a few brief spin-ups. Waterspouts moving onshore are one way tornadoes can form near the coast…