Whether you are a native Arizonan or new to the Grand Canyon State, chances are you’ve experienced a monsoon. The Arizona Monsoon begins on June 15 and ends on September 30. The word monsoon actually means season, so there is no reason to call it monsoon season. There are some rhymes that many Arizonans are familiar with.
TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN:
Flash flooding can happen quickly with a heavy monsoon rain, and washes, dips in roads and low water crossing areas can fill up quickly and carry people and even vehicles away. Never drive around barricades or attempt to cross rapid flowing water even if it doesn’t look that deep.
In Tucson from July1–Aug. 15, 2021 Tucson Fire, Golder Ranch and Northwest Fire reported 98 swift-water rescue calls.
PULL ASIDE, STAY ALIVE: Monsoon winds can cause downbursts of air that create a dust storm that may cause non-visibility in a matter of seconds. If you get caught in a dust storm, pull over and put your vehicle in park, take your foot off the brake and turn off your vehicle’s lights. Stay in your vehicle until the dust storm passes. It is important that your lights remain off–if you leave them on, vehicles behind you might think you are moving and could run into you.
WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS: Lightning can strike from 10 miles away. When you hear the thunder, it is time to go indoors, especially if you are swimming, hiking, biking or walking. To calculate how close the lightning is to you, count the number of seconds between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder and then divide by five. For example, if there were 30 seconds between the lightning flash and the sound of thunder the lightning would be six miles away.
Even when you are indoors, lightning can cause harm. Do not use a landline. Even a cordless phone can cause a shock. Stay away from windows. Do not shower or wash the dishes–plumbing fixtures can conduct electricity and cause shocks.
Remember to bring your house pets inside during a storm and always keep drinking water, flashlights, a first aid kit and non-perishable food on hand.
Sand for sandbags in Phoenix: https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/public-works/2787
Free Sandbags in Gilbert: https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/emergency-management/hazards-emerg...
Sandbags in Mesa: https://www.mesaaz.gov/residents/emergencies-power-outages/sandbags-stor...
Sandbags in Tempe: https://www.tempe.gov/government/public-works/storms-and-monsoon-weather
Sandbags in Tucson: https://www.pima.gov/805/Transportation?contentId=ef832d03-fa5a-485f-b25...
Sandbags in Tucson: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Transportation-Mobility/DTM-News-Re...
