Water, and the lack thereof, is a big deal in Arizona. Water management is equally as important as managing water use. We're about 30 days until "Monsoon season" starts. What the heck is a "monsoon" in Arizona?
Monsoon season is typically between July and September and includes flash rains, flooding, and wind storms, which produce "haboobs."
What the heck is a haboob? A haboob is an Arabic word meaning a strong wind produced from thunderstorm cells, not just high wind, that blow in the summer time. In the dictionary, haboobs are commonly found in Sudan. Sudan and Arizona are quite similar. Imagine that a wall of dirt is blowing from one section of the city to another? It's quite the site to see. But I digress, back to water.
There are several steps that homeowners need to take for Monsoon Season!
- First and foremost, make sure to secure anything that can roll or move around your pool. I've seen barbecue grills in pools - what a mess!
- Make sure that umbrellas on a stand are not open during a storm.
- Turn patio chairs upside down and pull them onto a patio.
- Anything hanging in trees becomes air born during a storm.
Water drainage on land is also critically important. If you have diverted water around your property so it drains onto your neighbors yard, you might be liable for damages after a storm, so check where water runs on and off your property.
And if your neighbor is reconfiguring their yard, be aware of that process and talk to your neighbor in advance of a storm. Having that conversation and discussing where water goes can negate future damages, frustration and legal action.
And if you are driving during a storm, turn off the road and turn your lights off so people won't follow you. Driving during a storm can be very dangerous. Flash flooding can certainly happen in the Phoenix area as we have some areas that change elevation. Cars can easily float in 4" of water. Since Phoenix does NOT receive 7" of rain a year, oil builds up on the roads and your tires will slide easier. Hydroplaning is very dangerous during rainstorms. If you see signs that so "Do Not Cross When Flooded" DON"T drive there or you will be fined if a rescue occurs.
Our 2022 Monsoon Season is expected to be a good one for farmers. Be safe and watch news daily for updates!
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