With everything going on in the world right now, monsoon season is creeping up on us this year. It’s coming whether we’re ready or not, so being aware of the risks is essential for safety. Flash floods aren’t the only threat these powerful summer storms pose, but they can be especially deadly if warnings aren’t heeded. Here’s what you need to know:
Arizona’s monsoon season begins in June and runs through September.
Flickr/Scott Blackwell Humidity is high during this time, which can lead to thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, hail, high winds, extreme heat, and flash flooding.
Flooding in the desert sounds like somewhat of a paradox, especially considering Arizona only receives about 12.5 inches of rain per year.
Flickr/Raquel Baranow Since our dry, hard-packed soil doesn’t absorb water very well, the rain tends to run along the surface and collect in washes.
When driving during monsoon season, abide by the motto “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
Flickr/Jack Miller Don’t attempt to cross flooded washes, pull over if necessary, and be aware of the risk of hydroplaning – it can occur with as little as one-tenth of an inch of water. A foot of water will submerge most vehicles, and two feet can sweep even SUVs and pickup trucks away.
Flash floods aren’t the only concern monsoon season presents; dust storms, also known as haboobs, can be miles high and impair visibility on the road.
Flickr/SD Anderson Medical complications such as asthma and Valley Fever can also result.
Monsoons are notorious for lightning – in fact, Arizona and New Mexico see 15% of the total strikes in the lower 48.
Flickr/Broderick Delaney On average, about 50 people die each year after being struck by lightning, so take shelter as soon as you hear thunder.
Even hail is known to be produced from summer storms in Arizona.
Flickr/cogdog This photo was taken in June, but it definitely looks more like winter.
Visit the Arizona Department of Transportation website to learn more. Be sure to always pay attention to local weather alerts before heading outdoors or getting behind the wheel.
Flickr/Scott Blackwell
Humidity is high during this time, which can lead to thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, hail, high winds, extreme heat, and flash flooding.
Flickr/Raquel Baranow
Since our dry, hard-packed soil doesn’t absorb water very well, the rain tends to run along the surface and collect in washes.
Flickr/Jack Miller
Don’t attempt to cross flooded washes, pull over if necessary, and be aware of the risk of hydroplaning – it can occur with as little as one-tenth of an inch of water. A foot of water will submerge most vehicles, and two feet can sweep even SUVs and pickup trucks away.
Flickr/SD Anderson
Medical complications such as asthma and Valley Fever can also result.
Flickr/Broderick Delaney
On average, about 50 people die each year after being struck by lightning, so take shelter as soon as you hear thunder.
Flickr/cogdog
This photo was taken in June, but it definitely looks more like winter.
What precautions are you taking for monsoon season? Let us know, and check out our previous article to watch one of these powerful, yet terrifying storms in action: This Timelapse Of Arizona Monsoons Shows The Sheer Power Of Nature.
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