Our favorite season is upon us. Here are some cool facts and tips you need to know about the rainiest time of year.
1. When Does Monsoon Season Start?
Since 2008, the National Weather Service has decreed monsoon season from June 15th to September 30th.
2. Driving Tips
If you are caught in a severe storm and can’t drive safely, move completely off the road and stop with the lights off. Take your foot off the brake to make sure your brake lights are not lit. This prevents other drivers from following your tail-lights, thinking you're still on the road. Never stop in the travel portion of the road.
At Valley Car Group, we suggest youreplace your windshield wipers before monsoon season starts and be sure to check the weather before traveling.
3. Be Safe Taking Photos
On average 47 people die from lightning strikes in the United States every year.
Monsoon lovers should take cover when watching storms from afar, most lightning strikes usually occur more than three miles away from the center of the thunderstorm, and have even been spotted as far as 15 miles.
Some tips to stay safe include:
- Stay indoors when you hear thunder
- Avoid using plumbing and electrical equipment during a storm
- Keep your distance from windows
You can keep track of lightning strikes recorded in your area at lightningmaps.org.
4. Watch Out for Flash Flooding
Arizona has floodplains that fill quickly with excess rainwater during a storm. Flash floods rank at the top of thunderstorm-related deaths, according to the National Weather Service.
To stay safe, keep away from rivers and washes during heavy rains. If you are driving and see a flooded area, turn around and plan an alternative route. In most cases it can be difficult to determine how deep the flood is, and moving water as low as one foot has the ability to carry a car.
Arizona's "Stupid Motorist Law" permits rescue agencies to collect up to $2,000 for water rescues if motorists get stuck after purposely driving in flooded areas.
Check out the Monsoon Safety website for more flash flood safety tips.
5. Avoid Dangerous Dust Storms
Any big thunderstorm with high winds, much like the ones seen during monsoon season, has the potential to to lift large amounts of dust into the air to form a haboob, or dust storm.
The Arizona Department of Transportation recommends if you find yourself caught in a dust storm, check the vehicles around you and try pulling over to the side of the road as soon as possible. Follow the diving tips mentioned above and stay in the car and keep your seatbelt on until the dust storm passes.
At Valley Car Group, we want you to stay safe on the roads during monsoon season. Please don’t take chances and follow the above mention tips.
If you are looking to sell your current vehicle, please contact us today!