Arizona Records First Tornado of 2026 as Rare Landspout Touches Down Near Tucson in Three Points
ARIZONA – The first tornado of 2026 was reported in Three Points, Arizona, where a landspout tornado touched down west of the Tucson city limits, according to eyewitness reports. The brief tornado remained on the ground for over one minute, making it a notable early-year severe weather event for the state.
A photo of the funnel was shared by a local observer, confirming the presence of a narrow, cone-shaped funnel extending from the cloud base toward the ground over the desert landscape.
Landspout Tornado Confirmed West of Tucson
The visible funnel in the image matches characteristics of a landspout tornado, which differs from traditional supercell tornadoes. Landspouts typically form beneath developing thunderstorms, often with weaker rotation, but can still touch down and cause localized damage. In this case, the tornado developed outside Tucson’s city limits, in a more rural desert setting near Three Points, an area southwest of the city.
Why This Tornado Is Meteorologically Significant
Arizona is not a high-frequency tornado state, especially in early January. The occurrence of a tornado this early in the year makes this event significant, as it marks the first confirmed tornado of 2026 in the United States. Landspout tornadoes are more common in the Southwest during transitional weather patterns, where surface heating and localized wind shifts can briefly support funnel development.
What Is Known So Far
Based strictly on the provided information:
- Location: Three Points, Arizona
- Position: West of Tucson city limits
- Type: Landspout tornado
- Duration: Over one minute on the ground
- Casualties or damage: No confirmed reports available
The image does not show visible structural damage, and no official damage assessments or warnings are referenced in the provided data.
Why Residents Noticed the Funnel Quickly
Even brief tornadoes in desert regions draw attention because funnels are clearly visible against open terrain and lower cloud bases. The contrast between the funnel and the landscape makes landspouts easier to spot than rain-wrapped tornadoes common in other regions.
While short-lived, tornadoes like this serve as reminders that severe weather can occur outside traditional tornado corridors. For continued coverage of verified weather events and regional impacts, stay updated with NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.