The National Weather Service has issued severe weather warnings for Pima County that are in effect until 5:30 p.m. on August 17.
A severe thunderstorm was located over Sil Nakya, 22.5 kilometers north of San Isidro, and is almost stationary. Wind gusts of up to 96 km/h and hailstone-sized grains were forecast.
Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Storm damage to roofs, facades and trees is to be expected.
Among the places affected was Sil Nakya.
A severe thunderstorm was also located over Three Points, 22 miles northwest of Sahuarita, moving westward at 10 mph. Wind gusts of 60 mph and hailstones the size of quarters were forecast.
Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Storm damage to roofs, facades and trees is to be expected.
Affected locations included Three Points, Tucson Estates, Valencia West, Tucson Mountain Park and Ryan AirField.
These included the following highways: State Route 86 between mile markers 140 and 162; State Route 286 between mile markers 39 and 45.
A severe thunderstorm was also observed near Tubac, moving west at 5 miles per hour; wind gusts of 60 miles per hour and hailstones the size of quarters were forecast.
Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Storm damage to roofs, facades and trees is to be expected.
Affected areas included Sahuarita, Green Valley, Tubac, Rio Rico, Tumacacori, Amado, Madera Canyon and Arivaca Junction.
This included Interstate 19 between mile markers 11 and 41.
A severe thunderstorm was also located over Kitt Peak, about 18 miles east of Sells, and is nearly stationary. Wind gusts of 60 mph and hailstones the size of quarters were forecast.
Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Storm damage to roofs, facades and trees is to be expected.
The affected locations included San Isidro, Kitt Peak, San Pedro, South Comobabi and Pan Tak.
This included State Route 86 between mile markers 125 and 142.
A severe thunderstorm was also noted near Corona De Tucson, 12 miles east of Sahuarita, moving west at 15 mph; wind gusts of 60 mph and hail the size of quarters were forecast.
Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Storm damage to roofs, facades and trees is to be expected.
Affected locations included Tucson, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Corona De Tucson, East Sahuarita, Summit, Amado and Arivaca Junction.
These included the following highways: Interstate 19 between miles 30 and 55; State Route 83 between miles 44 and 48.
A severe thunderstorm was also observed near Vail, 18 miles east of Sahuarita, moving north at 10 mph; wind gusts of 60 mph and hail the size of quarters were forecast.
Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Storm damage to roofs, facades and trees is to be expected.
Among the places affected were Vail and Corona De Tucson.
These included the following highways: Interstate 10 between mile markers 274 and 290; State Route 83 between mile markers 44 and 58.
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.
