Crazy Storms and Stupid Motorists: Tucson's Natural Disasters?
Tucson, Arizona doesn't really have any disaster causing forces of nature. There isn't a volcano anywhere close. Hurricanes never hit. Tornados are possible, but they're usually so small that we call them funnel clouds. Supposedly, it's possible to feel an earthquake. In my 31 years of living here I never have. Snow or ice damage is unheard of. It only snows here about once every four years. When it does it's usually all melted by mid-morning. No ocean nearby greatly limits the possibility of a tidal wave. Unlike most areas, Tucson is virtually immune to most natural disasters.
We have had minor flooding at times due to the huge monsoon storms. Occasionally, homes are damaged and roads are closed during one of these. In our latest monsoon storm, which occured the night before last, several roads flooded. I was marooned between two of these areas for about two hours. As I sat watching the water flow over the road, one gutsy motorist decided to risk it. Driving a newer Subaru Outback, the motorist barely made it through, shifting with the waterflow a couple of times. I sat and patiently watched, knowing I wasn't going to try it.
Suddenly, from the middle of the line of cars on the other side of this temporary river, a car pulled out of line. It picked up speed quickly heading right towards the water. My immediate thought was "no way" as I recognized the car as a Mini Cooper. I knew before he hit the water he was not going to make it. I must admit I've never ridden in a Mini Cooper but I've heard they're nice cars and they handle very well. But I've never heard anything special about their offroad capabilities, or boating capabilities in this case. Apparently, the young man who was driving thought differently.
He was quickly proven wrong as the car came to a complete stop right in the middle of the flowing water. Water wasn't flowing over the hood but I couldn't see his wheels. His headlights flashed on and off as I watched him climb out the passenger side window and carefully make his way towards the other side. I was busy pulling my camera out of my camera bag and reaching for my umbrella. A moment of guilt passed through me as I thought I might be taking advantage of this guy's misfortune. That was quickly replaced by my insane photographer's addiction to "get the shot".
As I was busy taking pictures of his car the young man was standing in the pouring rain getting written up for a ticket from the police officer who had just shown up. Several other cars pulled up to watch the car. Within the next fifteen minutes a truck pulled up next to me. A man got out and started waving at the young man to come across. Before he had finished crossing the man was yelling at him. I decided not to photograph that special father and son moment.
Within the next hour the water level went down. Someone had helped the young man get his car out, but the car wouldn't start so it sat on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. I started guesstimating the cost.
- Water damage to car - $1000 to $1500
- Ticket - $250 to $400
- Paying someone to get his car out - $0 (looked like a friend)
- Tow truck (on a busy monsoon night) - $250
- Arizona Stupid Motorist Law - fine of up to $2000....What?!?
If you're looking to buy or sell real estate in Tucson, I would love the opportunity to show what I can do for you. Please call me at 520-907-6760.
Greg McCown
Century 21 1st American
(520) 907-6760
Life is good!
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