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  • AZCentral | The Arizona Republic

    Thunderstorm warning issued for Maricopa County

    By Staff reports,

    2024-08-31

    The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Maricopa County starting at 5:15 p.m. Aug. 30. The warning expires at 6 p.m. Aug. 30.

    A severe thunderstorm was located 8 miles west of Painted Rock Dam, or 15 miles south of Tonopah, and is nearly stationary; 60 mph wind gusts were expected.

    Expect damage to roofs, siding and trees.

    Locations impacted included Tonopah, Palo Verde Nuclear Generation Station, and Wintersburg.

    This included Interstate 10 between mile markers 94 and 99.

    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 .

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3WdfCV_0vG5dq2n00

    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 warning issued for Maricopa County

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    Comments / 7
    Add a Comment
    Holly VanPelt
    08-31
    We haven't gotten a lot of rain in Gilbert, Arizona.
    J S America
    08-31
    This monsoon season sucked
    View all comments
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