Thunderstorm warnings issued for Pima County; tornado possible

The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Pima County through 9:30 p.m. Aug. 16.

A severe thunderstorm was located 9 miles northeast of Benson, moving west at 25 mph; 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail were predicted.

Hail damage to vehicles was expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Locations impacted included Benson, Saguaro National Park East, Mescal, Texas Canyon, Redington, and Cascabel.

This included the following highways: Interstate 10 between mile markers 285 and 322; State Route 80 between mile markers 293 and 295; State Route 90 between mile markers 290 and 291.

A severe thunderstorm also was located 7 miles north of Sells, moving northwest at 25 mph; 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail were predicted.

Hail damage to vehicles was expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Locations impacted included Sells, San Isidro, Covered Wells, No:ligk, Comobabi, South Comobabi, Cababi, San Luis-Sells District, Mountain Village, Rincon, and Sikul Himathk.

This included State Route 86 between mile markers 92 and 116.

A severe thunderstorm also was located 9 miles northeast of San Miguel, or 17 miles southeast of Sells, moving northwest at 25 mph. This storm is capable of producing a tornado; 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail also were predicted.

Hail damage to vehicles was expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Locations impacted included Sells, Topawa, San Miguel, Ali Chukson, Vamori, South Komelik, Cowlic, Fresnal, Choulic, Coldfields, Fresnal Canyon, Artesia, and Ali Molina.

This included the following highways: State Route 86 between mile markers 113 and 125; State Route 286 near mile marker 25.

A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado also was located 12 miles northwest of Arivaca, or 27 miles west of Tubac, moving northwest at 20 mph; a tornado and quarter-size hail were possible.

Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.

This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly remote areas of south-central Pima County, including the following locations: Fresnal Canyon, Choulic, and Coldfields.

This included State Route 286 between mile markers 7 and 21.

A severe thunderstorm also was located near Tubac, moving northwest at 25 mph; 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail were predicted.

Hail damage to vehicles was expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Locations impacted included Tubac, Rio Rico, Arivaca, Tumacacori, Amado, and Arivaca Lake.

This included Interstate 19 between mile markers 16 and 28.

A severe thunderstorm also was located 7 miles south of Nogales, moving northwest at 25 mph; ping-pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts were predicted.

People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows and vehicles. Expectwind damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Locations impacted included Nogales, Arivaca, Arivaca Lake, Ruby, and Pena Blanca Lake.

This included the following highways: Interstate 19 between mile markers 1 and 3; State Route 82 near mile marker 1.

A severe thunderstorm also was located 7 miles south of Corona De Tucson, or 15 miles east of Sahuarita, moving northwest at 10 mph; 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail were predicted.

Hail damage to vehicles was expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Locations impacted included Vail, Corona De Tucson and Sonoita.

This included the following highways: State Route 82 near mile marker 37; State Route 83 between mile markers 37 and 56.

A severe thunderstorm also was located 7 miles west of Sonoita, or 16 miles southeast of Green Valley, moving northwest at 15 mph; 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail were predicted.

Hail damage to vehicles was expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Locations impacted included Sonoita and Madera Canyon.

This included the following highways: State Route 82 between mile markers 26 and 29; State Route 83 between mile markers 37 and 43.

Why is the monsoon so unpredictable? It takes a lot to make a good thunderstorm

For the latest watches and warnings, see our weather alert page .

Tips for driving in the rain

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

• Inspect windshield wipers and replace them if necessary prior to expected rainfall.
• Turn on the headlights.
• Reduce speeds.
• Avoid sudden braking on wet pavement.
• Create a "space cushion" between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
• Avoid areas where water has pooled in travel lanes.

How to protect yourself from lightning strikes

Here are lightning safety tips from the National Weather Service:

• Pay attention to the weather. If you see big blue clouds, otherwise known as thunderheads, go inside. These types of clouds could mean a thunderstorm is coming.
• Get in a building with plumbing and wiring. If lightning strikes the building, the lightning will be conducted around and into the ground.
• Stay in your car. A vehicle will give you protection as electricity from lightning will pass through the vehicle's structure instead of hitting you.
• Get off open water. A boat out on the water is likely to be the most prominent object and you could be struck.
• Do not shower or bathe. If lightning hits your pipes, it could be conducted into the water in your bath or shower.
• Do not use electric appliances with plugs or cords. Wireless cellphones 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, that means the thunderstorm's distance is threatening. Wait at least 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder to go out. That gives the storm enough time to move away or dissipate.
• You don’t have to be near a storm to get struck. Lightning strikes can easily travel 10 miles or more. A record lightning flash in Oklahoma in 2007 traveled nearly 200 miles. Seek shelter if you hear thunder.
• Do not shelter under a tree. If lightning strikes the tree, the ground charge from the strike could travel into you.
• Don't huddle in a group. If you are outdoors with friends or family during a thunderstorm, don't all clump together. Keeping separation could reduce the number of people injured if 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.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Thunderstorm warnings issued for Pima County; tornado possible