Monsoon rainshower
This month, the Tucson office for the National Weather Service (NWS) issued two tornado warnings in Pima County. Gary Zell, meteorologist with the NWS said that although there hasn’t been any “on the ground” confirmation for tornado activity, winds reached over 70 miles per hour (mph), causing widespread and extensive damage throughout the city.
Residents saw hundreds of broken trees, damaged commercial structures and fallen residential fencing.
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) reported that at the height of the storm, about 31,000 people experienced outages and over 40 power poles were blown down or damaged.
What may have surprised residents throughout the Tucson metro area, was how fast the thunderstorm cell escalated and the fact that there was a confirmed EF-1 tornado almost two weeks prior.
An EF-1 tornado is a moderate tornado on the Enhanced Fujita scale, that can have wind gusts up to 110 mph.
The nearly back-to-back tornado events have residents questioning the monsoon's relationship to climate change.
Michael Crimmins, climate scientist at the University of Arizona, explained that while every weather event is occurring within a changed climate, there isn’t enough long-term data on the frequency of the kinds of weather events in the southwest.
“Climate projections into the future are still not settled on whether the monsoon will get drier or wetter,” Crimmins said.
Crimmins added that thunderstorm activity in the southwest is complex and the way climate change is impacting it remains unclear.
In response to this monsoon season's severe thunderstorm weather, AZPM put together a “Mini Severe Storm Guide” for residents who have questions on how to prepare for severe thunderstorm weather during monsoon season:
1. Be informed. Stay in the loop.
Barrett Baker, deputy chief with Tucson Fire Department (TFD) says information is powerful and suggests staying in the know with weather reports on the radio like AZPM's stations, on TV, or paying attention to cell phone weather alerts.
Southeastern Arizonans can also follow the National Weather Service (NWS) Tucson on X, formerly known as Twitter, for severe thunderstorm weather updates and warnings as well as their webpage. You can also look at the radar loop for yourself, to see where storms are headed throughout the area.
2. Know the difference between tornado “watch” and “warning”.
Zell says that “watch” means conditions are favorable for tornado development and are not typically issued by the local office, rather the national center.
A tornado warning means that it’s either occurring or Doppler radar indicates that one is possible.
Southeastern Arizona averages about one tornado a year.
3. Be prepared to potentially lose power.
Baker says it’s good to have an emergency kit on hand with items like flashlights, batteries, candles, lighters, or matches on hand.
4. If you see a down power line (or any damaged electrical equipment), call 911.
Joe Barrios, spokesperson for Tucson Electric Power (TEP), encourages customers to call 911 because that will alert emergency services and TEP dispatchers.
5. If you’re driving and see a downed wire, do not try to move it or touch it yourself!
Remove yourself from the area and call 911.
6. Stay away from the windows.
Wind gusts during a severe thunderstorm can reach up to 80 mph or higher.
Baker says to stay away from the windows for optimal safety.
Tornadoes are rare for southeastern Arizonans and since basements are unusual to the region, Zell advised for any tornado warning to move inside, into the interior part of the building.
7. If you are out driving and see flash flooding.
Driving through any flooded roadway is never wise, regardless if other drivers in front of you attempt it.
Baker says it takes about eight to 12 inches of water, depending on the speed that it is rushing, that can move a vehicle, even an SUV.
A little dip in the road that has 18 inches of running water can sweep a car downstream and turn into a life or death situation really fast.
Zell says this risk exists throughout the monsoon season, which is why the NWS defines the season.
8. If you are out driving and there’s a dust storm or haboob.
Be proactive, check for NWS weather updates or delay your trip if possible.
Baker says if you’re driving, pull over and turn off all of your lights, including your brake lights, so other cars don't follow you thinking you're still on the road.
If you are out driving and there is low visibility from torrential rain and you can’t see in front of you.
Repeat tip number seven, pull over, turn off all your lights, check your phone or car radio for updates and wait it out.
9. If it is hailing.
The NWS advises that if you’re driving, to slow down and seek cover if possible.
On average during monsoon season, hail can vary in size comparable to a dime or nickel.
Golf ball sized hail has been recorded in Pima County during monsoon season before, although it is rare, it could happen and potentially cause physical injury.
10. Stay out of the washes if you know a storm is coming or can see a storm coming.
A flash flood can happen in a matter of minutes and can turn into a negative situation if you’re caught off guard.
If you are outside, away from structures, seek shelter and find areas that will provide you with cover such as a freeway overpass or another area with hard protection and away from water.
Prevention is the key.
According to the NWS, monsoon season starts June 15 and lasts through September 30.
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