A rare and powerful microburst storm slammed into Tempe, Arizona, on Monday afternoon, uprooting trees, damaging homes and businesses, and displacing more than 130 residents. The storm intensified as it swept north across the Phoenix metro area, delivering fierce winds, torrential rain, and structural damage across multiple neighborhoods.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), winds during the microburst reached 71 mph (114 km/h) near Arizona State University, with most areas recording gusts between 65–70 mph (105–113 km/h). NWS meteorologist Ted Whittock said the storm’s wind field stretched approximately two miles (3.2 km), classifying it as a “fairly widespread” microburst event for the region.
“Microburst winds — which are typically seen during monsoon thunderstorms — can cause the same level of damage as a tornado,” meteorologist Alex Lojero told KTAR News. These intense, localized columns of sinking air are usually no more than 2.5 miles (4 km) wide and can form rapidly within severe thunderstorms.
The storm severely damaged multiple apartment buildings, leaving dozens homeless overnight. At its peak, power was knocked out for more than 34,000 customers, with 10,000 still in the dark as of Monday evening.
A significant microburst and thunderstorm hit Tempe at 1 p.m. today. It caused significant damage to some parts of Tempe, especially the area from Guadalupe to Elliott roads from Kyrene to Rural roads. If you do not need to travel, please stay off the roads. Tempe Police are… pic.twitter.com/M4zI0buduj
— City of Tempe, AZ (@Tempegov) October 13, 2025
The Phoenix Zoo also sustained significant damage. Though no animals, staff, or guests were injured, cleanup crews are working to restore walkways and facilities, and the zoo will remain closed for at least two days.
This event follows a historic streak of rainfall in the Phoenix area, linked to lingering moisture from Tropical Storm Raymond and Hurricane Priscilla off western Mexico. Monday marked the fifth straight day with at least 0.10 inches (2.5 mm) of rain — a feat not seen in the city since 1916, over a century ago.
Tempe’s microburst surprised many residents and city officials, both for its strength and for its rarity in the region. While microbursts are more common in the Midwest, they can occur in Arizona’s monsoon season, especially when tropical moisture enhances instability — as was the case this week.
If you were caught by that storm in tempe earlier, I hope you’re okay. I’ve never been in anything like that in the valley. pic.twitter.com/beJQCXStKm
— nkemjika (Kemi) (@kemindolo) October 13, 2025
Emergency services and city crews continue to respond to the damage, assist displaced residents, and work on restoring power and infrastructure. With the storm’s intensity and impacts now under review, it may go down as one of the most damaging single-weather events Tempe has seen in years.
