Thunderstorm warnings issued for Pima County, including Tucson area

The National Weather Service has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for Pima County starting at 2:10 p.m. July 24. The warnings expire at 5:30 p.m. July 24.

Severe thunderstorms were located over the Catalina Foothills, or 8 miles north of Tucson, moving southwest at 10 mph; 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail were predicted. Hail damage to vehicles was expected. Also expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Locations impacted include Tucson, Oro Valley, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Casas Adobes, Flowing Wells, Tanque Verde, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, Catalina Foothills, and Catalina State Park.

This includes Route 77 between mile markers 71 and 83.

Severe thunderstorms also were located near Saddlebrooke Ranch, or 11 miles northwest of Catalina, moving southwest at 10 mph; 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail were predicted. Hail damage to vehicles also was expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees. Locations impacted include Catalina, Oro Valley, Marana, Saddlebrooke, Saddlebrooke Ranch, Tortolita, and Oracle Junction. This includes the following highways: Route 77 between mile markers 84 and 95; Route 79 between mile markers 92 and 103.

A severe thunderstorm also was located near GuVo, or 31 miles southeast of Ajo, moving southwest at 10 mph; 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail were predicted. Hail damage to vehicles was expected. Also expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees. Locations impacted include Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Ali Chugk, Pia Oik and Lukeville. This includes Route 85 between mile markers 71 and 80.

A severe thunderstorm also was located 13 miles north of San Isidro, or 19 miles north of Sells, moving southwest at 10 mph; 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail were predicted. Hail damage to vehicles was expected. Also expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Locations impacted include Sells, San Isidro, Ali Chukson, Covered Wells, Fresnal, No:ligk, Comobabi, South Comobabi, Cababi, Santa Rosa Ranch, Sil Nakya, San Luis - Sells District, Artesia, Rincon, and Sikul Himathk.

This includes Route 86 between mile markers 91 and 119, and between mile markers 122 and 125.

A severe thunderstorm also was located near Pisinemo, or 28 miles northwest of Sells, moving southwest at 10 mph; 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail were predicted. Hail damage to vehicles was expected. Also expect wind damageto roofs, siding and trees. Locations impacted include Pisinemo.

A severe thunderstorm also was located 19 miles east of Santa Rosa, or 28 miles north of Sells, moving southwest at 10 mph; 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail were predicted. Hail damage to vehicles was expected. Also expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees. Locations impacted include Sil Nakya.

A severe thunderstorm also was located 11 miles northeast of San Isidro, or 22 miles northeast of Sells, moving southwest at 20 mph. The weather service predicted 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Also expect wind damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Affected areas include Three Points, San Isidro, Saguaro National Park West, Tucson Estates, Tucson Mountain Park, Picture Rocks, San Pedro, South Comobabi, Santa Rosa Ranch, and Pan Tak.

This includes the following highways: Route 86 between mile markers 126 and 155; Route 286 between mile markers 37 and 45.

A severe thunderstorm also was located 12 miles northeast of Pisinemo, or 26 miles northwest of Sells, moving south at 15 mph; 60 mph wind gusts and penny-size hail were predicted. Expect damage to roofs, siding and trees.

Locations impacted include Covered Wells and Mountain Village.

This also includes Route 86 between mile markers 78 and 95.

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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 breaking 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, including Tucson area