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Avoid flash floods in monsoon weather
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| "Marshall Bo" Downey enjoys some fishing on Railroad Lake, uhh, Avenue, on Friday following a heavy downpour. And, when the fishing pole was ineffective, he just pulled out his .44 cal. 1851 Navy revolver. (PHOTO COURTESY/Dallas Downey) |
By Staff/wick communications
Southern Arizonans experience a variety of weather related dangers each year, especially from late spring into early autumn. Through a collaborative effort between National Weather Service offices serving the states of Arizona and New Mexico, the period from June 15 through Sept. 30 has been defined as the monsoon, so Arizona may have another month of stormy weather.
More people across the nation die from flash floods than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard and this statistic holds true in Arizona. Most flash flood deaths occur in vehicles when people attempt to cross flowing water. As little as 10 inches of flowing water can float most cars and two feet will float most trucks and SUVs.
Flash floods are common in Arizona. There are thousands of low-water crossing which flood every summer. Never drive into a flooded area, as the depth of the water is not always apparent and debris may be hidden under the flow.
In some cases, the road surface may be washed out. Your vehicle may become stuck, leaving you stranded. Driving around barricades is not only dangerous, but illegal. Be cautious at night. Flood dangers are much more difficult to see after the sun goes down.
Flooding can occur miles downstream from where the rain fell. It may take hours for the water to reach your location, so be aware of rain which may have fallen upstream.
Do not let children play in washes or streams after a heavy rain. Do not park a vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions. Avoid camping or parking in a wash or in the bottom of a canyon that has steep side slopes. If flooding does occur, get to higher ground and avoid low lying areas.
For more tips and information about flash flood safety, see weather.gov/tucson or monsoonsafety.org
TIPS
Slow down. Roads become slippery if water mixes with oil, dirt and grease.
Refrain from tailgating. Stopping distances are greater on wet, slippery roads.
Allow extra time to get to your destination. Traffic is heavier in bad weather.
Don't drive in flooded areas.
Be patient. Inclement weather results in a higher-than-normal call volume for help.
If you stop, pull off the road. Never stop in the travel portion.
Stop with lights off, lifting foot from the brake to ensure brake lights are not lit.
SOURCE: AAA
More people across the nation die from flash floods than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard and this statistic holds true in Arizona. Most flash flood deaths occur in vehicles when people attempt to cross flowing water. As little as 10 inches of flowing water can float most cars and two feet will float most trucks and SUVs.
Flash floods are common in Arizona. There are thousands of low-water crossing which flood every summer. Never drive into a flooded area, as the depth of the water is not always apparent and debris may be hidden under the flow.
In some cases, the road surface may be washed out. Your vehicle may become stuck, leaving you stranded. Driving around barricades is not only dangerous, but illegal. Be cautious at night. Flood dangers are much more difficult to see after the sun goes down.
Flooding can occur miles downstream from where the rain fell. It may take hours for the water to reach your location, so be aware of rain which may have fallen upstream.
Do not let children play in washes or streams after a heavy rain. Do not park a vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions. Avoid camping or parking in a wash or in the bottom of a canyon that has steep side slopes. If flooding does occur, get to higher ground and avoid low lying areas.
For more tips and information about flash flood safety, see weather.gov/tucson or monsoonsafety.org
TIPS
SOURCE: AAA
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| Education continues to pay | Sunizona store loses roof in storm |
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