The annual monsoon season is almost here. This period is characterized by intense thunderstorms that bring lightning, strong winds, and heavy rains. These monsoon thunderstorms pose significant threats to life and property, including lethal lightning strikes, localized flash flooding, and dust storms that drastically reduce visibility and degrade air quality.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Water
Monsoon rains can lead to sudden and severe flash flooding due to heavy or excessive rainfall over a brief period. It’s critical to understand the dangers: six inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and 18 inches can carry away most vehicles. Avoid low-water crossings and areas already inundated with water. Never drive around barricades or attempt to cross streets with flowing water.
Understanding Monsoon Season
Each year, from mid-June through the end of September, Arizona undergoes its renowned Monsoon Season. During this period, the usually dry air becomes saturated with moisture brought in from the south, leading to a higher likelihood of evening dust storms, thunderstorms, heavy rain, and flash flooding. Monsoon storms can be unpredictable and hazardous, especially for those unprepared for such weather phenomena. Here are the three primary dangers associated with monsoon season that you must be aware of:
Dust Storms
The iconic images of massive dust walls, hundreds of feet high, enveloping Arizona’s cities during monsoon season are a testament to the intensity of these weather patterns. Monsoon winds can exceed 40 mph, quickly stirring up loose desert soil and debris, resulting in large dust storms that can reduce visibility to zero within seconds.
During a dust storm, the safest action is to pull your vehicle off the roadway, place it in park, turn off your lights, and remove your foot from the brake. Stay inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened and wait for the storm to pass. For quick safety tips during a dust storm, refer to resources provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Lightning
An average Arizona monsoon season can produce over 420,000 lightning strikes. Lightning poses serious risks, including fires and electrocution. Experts advise staying indoors, avoiding proximity to water, and steering clear of metal objects that conduct electricity. Additionally, avoid tall objects like trees and power lines.
Flash Floods
Flash floods result from heavy or excessive rainfall in a short duration, typically less than six hours. These floods are characterized by raging torrents that sweep through riverbeds, urban streets, or mountain canyons, destroying everything in their path. They can occur within minutes or hours of heavy rainfall. Flash flooding during monsoon storms can be extremely perilous. Most flood-related deaths in Arizona are due to individuals attempting to drive through flooded roadways. Just six inches of water can knock over an adult, and as little as one foot of water can move a vehicle. Two feet of moving water can easily carry a vehicle away. If you cannot see the pavement beneath the water, do not risk driving through it. The water may be deeper and faster-moving than it appears. Never drive around barricades; it is much safer to find an alternate route than to endanger your life. Under Arizona’s “Stupid Motorist Law,” you could also be prosecuted and held liable for the cost of your own rescue.
Arizona’s diverse geographic makeup means weather conditions can vary significantly from region to region. When traveling across the state, always stay informed about current and forecasted weather conditions for your route and destination. Pay close attention to weather reports, watches, and warnings.
Stay Safe and Informed
Heavy monsoon rains can lead to flash flooding. Do not underestimate the power of water. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock down an adult, and 18 inches can carry away most vehicles. Avoid low-water crossings and areas that are already flooded. Never drive around barricades or attempt to cross streets with flowing water.
Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy the beauty of Arizona responsibly this monsoon season.
