The National Weather Service has issued severe weather warnings for Maricopa County that are in effect until 6:15 p.m. on August 31.
A severe, nearly stationary thunderstorm was near Anthem, with wind gusts up to 60 mph (96 km/h) expected.
Expect damage to roofs, facades and trees.
The affected locations included New River, Cave Creek, Carefree and Anthem.
These included the following highways: Interstate 17 between miles 221 and 232; State Route 74 between miles 29 and 30; State Route 303 near mile 139.
A severe thunderstorm was also near Goldfield Ranch and Sugarloaf Mountain and is nearly stationary, with wind gusts of 60 miles per hour expected.
Expect damage to roofs, facades and trees.
Affected areas included Sugarloaf Mountain, Saguaro Lake, Goldfield Ranch and Fort McDowell.
This included State Route 87 between mile markers 195 and 209.
Additionally, a severe thunderstorm was recorded 7 miles northwest of Round Valley or near Bartlett Lake, moving south at 5 mph; wind gusts of 60 mph were expected.
Expect damage to roofs, facades and trees.
The affected locations included Sycamore Creek and Sunflower.
This included State Route 87 between mile markers 221 and 228.
Why is the monsoon so unpredictable? It takes a lot to create a good thunderstorm
For the latest observations and warnings, please visit our Weather Alerts page.
Tips for driving in the rain
The Arizona Department of Transportation offers the following safety tips for driving in the rain:
- Check windshield wipers and replace if necessary before expected rainfall.
- Turn on the headlights.
- Reduce speed.
- Avoid sudden braking on wet roads.
- Create a “space buffer” between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
- Avoid areas where water has accumulated in lanes.
How to protect yourself from lightning strikes
Here are lightning protection safety tips from the National Weather Service:
- Pay attention to the weather. If you see large blue clouds, also called storm clouds, go inside. These types of clouds could mean an impending thunderstorm.
- Enter a building that has water pipes and wires. If lightning strikes the building, the lightning will be conducted around the building and into the ground.
- Stay in your car. A vehicle will provide you with protection because lightning will pass through the vehicle structure and not hit you.
- Get out of open water. A boat on the water is probably the most conspicuous object and you could be hit.
- Don’t shower or bathe. If lightning strikes your pipes, it could get into the water in your bath or shower.
- Do not use electrical appliances with plugs or cords. Wireless cell phones are OK, as are laptops that are connected to Wi-Fi but not plugged in.
- Follow the 30-30 rule. If you hear thunder within 30 seconds of a lightning strike, it means the storm is dangerously far away. Wait at least 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder. This gives the storm plenty of time to move away or dissipate.
- You don’t have to be near a thunderstorm to be struck. Lightning strikes can easily travel 10 miles or more. A record lightning bolt in Oklahoma in 2007 traveled nearly 200 miles. Seek shelter if you hear thunder.
- Do not seek shelter under a tree. If lightning strikes the tree, the earth charge from the lightning could penetrate you.
- Don’t crowd together. If you’re outside with friends or family during a thunderstorm, don’t crowd together. Keeping your distance could reduce the number of people injured if lightning strikes.
This article was created by The Arizona Republic and USA TODAY Network using data from the National Weather Service. It was edited by a staff writer.
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