The Southwestern Monsoon
It's that time of year. Humidity joins the heat and the thunderstorms fire up in the southwest US. Desert thunderstorms are beautiful and dangerous events. Hail exceeding 3/4 inch in diameter can cause damage and injury. Dust Storms from outflow from distant storms can reduce visibility to near zero, making driving extremely hazardous. Lightning and flash floods are responsible for property damage and loss of life. Microburst winds can destroy even sturdy structures.
BE SAFE! Here are some tips:
Never attempt to cross flooded roadways, just a few inches of moving floodwater can sweep away a vehicle.
If you can hear thunder you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Desert washes can flood suddenly. Rainfall from even distant storms can flood washes miles away. Never camp in a wash.
If you are driving in a dust storm and decide that you need to pull off the road, be sure to take your foot off the brake so vehicles don't follow your lights and strike you.
Carry more water than you think you need!
These are just a few tips... For more be sure to visit the National Weather Service, Tucson AZ WFO @
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/twc/monsoon/monsoon_info.php
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