Arizona Sees Rare Landsout Touch Down Near Three Points as Trained Spotter Confirms Brief Tornado Event
ARIZONA — A rare and unusual landsout tornado was reported Thursday afternoon near Three Points in Pima County, according to official data released by the National Weather Service, marking an uncommon January severe weather event for southern Arizona.
The event occurred at 12:05 p.m. MST, roughly 5 miles north-northeast of Three Points, when a trained storm spotter observed a landsout tornado that lasted nearly one minute. The report was later logged as a delayed Local Storm Report (LSR) but was fully verified through National Weather Service documentation.
What Happened Near Three Points
A landsout is a non-supercell tornado, typically forming beneath developing convective clouds without the classic rotating thunderstorm structure seen in Plains tornadoes. While generally weaker than traditional tornadoes, landsouts are still capable of producing localized damage.
In this case, the tornado developed over a rural stretch of Pima County, west of Tucson, and remained on the ground briefly before dissipating.
- Location: 5 NNE Three Points, Pima County
- Time: 12:05 PM MST
- Duration: ~1 minute
- Source: Trained storm spotter
- Damage/Injuries: None reported
Radar and mesoscale data suggest the circulation formed along a boundary where surface convergence and daytime heating briefly aligned — a known setup for landsout formation in the desert Southwest.
Why This Is Unusual for Arizona in January
January tornadoes in Arizona are extremely rare, especially outside of strong synoptic storm systems. Most winter severe weather in the state typically involves:
- Gusty winds
- Isolated thunderstorms
- Cold-core low pressure systems
The appearance of a landsout during the first day of the new year highlights how localized instability and boundary interactions can still generate brief tornadic circulations even without widespread severe weather.
Meteorologists note that southern Arizona’s desert terrain can occasionally support these weak tornadoes, particularly during transitional weather patterns.
No Damage, But a Reminder to Stay Weather-Aware
Fortunately, no damage or injuries were reported, and the landsout occurred away from densely populated areas. However, weather officials emphasize that even brief and weak tornadoes can pose risks — especially to motorists, outdoor workers, and rural properties.
Residents across southern Arizona are encouraged to remain weather-aware during unsettled conditions, as non-traditional tornadoes like landsouts can form quickly with little warning.
Why This Matters
While this event was short-lived and harmless, it serves as a reminder that Arizona is not immune to tornado activity, even during winter. Rare events like this are closely studied to improve forecasting and public awareness across the Southwest.
What do you think — were you surprised to see a tornado report come out of Arizona in January? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more regional weather updates right here on ChicagoMusicGuide.com.