6 flash flood safety tips to help keep you safe this monsoon
- Updated
Tucson's monsoon can bring flash floods that travel miles, catching hikers and motorists by surprise.
Here are some tips from the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the National Weather Service to help avoid getting caught in a flash flood.
Check the forecast
UpdatedBefore you head out, check the weather forecast for expected storm activity. Floods can be caused by rainfall miles away.
Avoid afternoon hikes
UpdatedIf you go hiking, only hike in the morning. Storms usually occur in the afternoons and evenings.
Don't risk it
UpdatedIf you see dark clouds or lightning, or if you hear thunder, pack up and go home. Flooding happens suddenly and without warning, the Pima County Sheriff's Department warned.
Avoid areas prone to flooding
UpdatedStream beads, narrow canyons and washes are all subject to flooding. Also, if you see an area with flash flood warning signs posted, be extra cautious.
Avoid flowing water
UpdatedDo not cross any flowing water or flooded trails, in your car or on foot. If there's flowing water, find another route.
Move to higher ground
UpdatedIf you see or hear a flood coming, don't try to outrun it. Search and move to higher ground as quickly as you can.
As featured on
After a Monday deluge that saw rainfall of more than an inch in some areas, a flash-flood warning is in effect for Tucson and most of Southeastern Arizona through Wednesday evening.
From storms, flash floods to foggy skies — social media captured it all this July weekend.
Residents of Catalina, north of Tucson, are recovering from a flood that left them isolated …
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