Monsoon Season 2020: Are You Prepared? Every year between June 1st and September 30th, Arizona experiences its famous Monsoon Season. During this period of changing weather patterns, the normally dry air becomes dense and humid as air currents bring in new moisture from the south. This results in higher chances for evening dust storms, thunderstorms, heavy rain, and flash flooding. Monsoon storms can be unpredictable and dangerous for those unfamiliar or unprepared with this type of weather phenomenon. In particular, there are 3 primary monsoon dangers that you need to be aware of:
Dust Storms You've probably seen the iconic photographs showing huge walls of dust, hundreds of feet high, engulfing Arizona's cities during the monsoon season. Monsoon weather patterns can be intense with winds exceeding 40 mph that can quickly stir up loose soil and debris in the desert. The result is a large dust storm that can bring visibility down to zero in only a few seconds. If you are caught driving in a dust storm, experts recommend pulling off of the road to the right as far as is possible. Next, turn off your car, shut down the headlights, and keep your windows up. Be sure to also set the parking brake instead of using the brake pedal.
Lightning Did you know that an average Arizona monsoon season can produce more than 420,000 lightning strikes? With lightning strikes comes danger in the form of fires and electrocution. Experts advise staying indoors, avoiding being near water, and staying away from metal objects that can conduct electricity. Experts also advise staying away from tall objects such as trees and power lines.
Flash Floods Flash flooding resulting from monsoon storms can be extremely dangerous. The majority of flood-related deaths in Arizona are from people 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. Experts warn that if you can't see the pavement underneath the water, then you shouldn't risk driving through it. Floodwater can be flowing significantly deeper and faster than it appears. Never drive around barricades, it much safer to find another route than endangering your life. Additional Information provided from by the Pinal County Public Works Road Maintenance Department Road maintenance crews try their best to close flooded roadways as soon as possible, but motorists may be in the area before crew workers can get to a location. If water is moving on a roadway and no barricades are present at the time that does not mean you should be able to cross. Do not ever attempt to drive though flooded areas. Water can be deeper than it appears. Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Citizens please contact us if you notice a roadway is starting to flood. We will get crew members out there as soon as possible to assess the situation.
Pinal County Public Works Road Maintenance will be on scene to conduct repairs as soon as a safe opportunity is available. Please be alert and comply with all warning signs, and drive with caution on Pinal County roadways for the safety of yourself, Pinal County workers and equipment.
Please call our Citizen Contact Center line at 520-866-6411 during business hours from 8 am to 5 pm with inquires. You may also call the Sheriff Office at 520-866-5111 during afterhours. For emergencies please dial 9-1-1.
Sandbags are available for Pinal County residents. Visit the Pinal County Public Works webpage at pinalcountyaz.gov/PublicWorks/Documents/SandbagInfo for more information.