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    • Thunderstorm warnings issued for Maricopa County
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    Thunderstorm warnings issued for Maricopa County

    Vaseline Posted on

    Staff reports
    | The Republic of Arizona

    The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Maricopa County. The warnings are in effect until 6:15 p.m. on August 31.

    There was a severe thunderstorm near Anthem and the storm remained mostly stationary. Wind gusts of 60 mph were expected.

    Please note that damage will occur to roofs, siding and trees.

    Affected locations include New River, Cave Creek, Carefree, and Anthem.

    This included the following highways: Interstate 17 between mile markers 221 and 232; State Route 74 between mile markers 29 and 30; State Route 303 near mile marker 139.

    There was also a severe thunderstorm near Goldfield Ranch, or near Sugarloaf Mountain, and it was nearly stationary. Wind gusts of 60 mph were expected.

    Please note that damage will occur to roofs, siding and trees.

    Affected locations include Sugarloaf Mountain, Saguaro Lake, Goldfield Ranch and Fort McDowell.

    This included State Route 87 between mile markers 195 and 209.

    Also 7 miles northwest of Round Valley, or near Bartlett Lake, a severe thunderstorm was moving south at 5 mph. Wind gusts of 60 mph were expected.

    Please note that damage will occur to roofs, siding and trees.

    Affected locations include 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 make a good thunderstorm

    For the most recent warnings, please visit our weather alert page.

    Tips for driving in the rain

    The Arizona Department of Transportation has provided the following safety tips for driving in the rain:

    • Check the windshield wipers and replace them if necessary before rain is expected.
    • Turn on the headlights.
    • Reduce the speed.
    • Avoid sudden braking on wet roads.
    • Create a ‘space cushion’ between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
    • Avoid areas where water has collected in the lanes.

    How to Protect Yourself from Lightning Strikes

    Here are some tips from the National Weather Service about lightning safety:

    • Pay attention to the weather. If you see big blue clouds, also known as thunderstorms, go inside. These types of clouds can mean a thunderstorm is coming.
    • Enter a building with plumbing and wiring. If lightning strikes the building, the lightning will be conducted around it and into the ground.
    • Stay in your car. A vehicle offers you protection because electricity from lightning travels through the structure of the vehicle instead of hitting you.
    • Get off the open water. A boat on the water is probably the most visible object and you can get hit.
    • Do not shower or bathe. If lightning strikes your pipes, it could end up in the water in your bath or shower.
    • Do not use electrical appliances with plugs or cords. Cordless 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 bolt, it means the storm is threateningly far away. Wait at least 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder to go out. This gives the storm enough time to pass or dissipate.
    • You don’t have to be near a storm to get hit. Lightning strikes can easily travel 10 miles or more. A record lightning strike 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 strike can reach you.
    • Don’t crowd together. If you’re outside with friends or family during a thunderstorm, don’t crowd together. Keeping your distance can help reduce the number of people injured by lightning strikes.

    This article was generated by The Arizona Republic and USA TODAY Network using data released by the National Weather Service. It was edited by a staff member.

    Vaseline
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