Stay safe this monsoon season

Recent rains from the monsoon season have Pinal County Public Works Road crews on alert and ready to handle what the monsoon storms will throw their way this summer.
 
“It’s been a late start to the summer rains,” said Public Works Director Greg Stanley.  “Our crews have been able to get other jobs done while the monsoons have missed us.”
 
Storms over the weekend have brought needed moisture and a cool down for some parts of the Sonoran Desert. But those rains can also bring a level of danger to drivers on the road.
 
“We have advice for those who are out on the roads when the rains hit – slow down,” Stanley said with an emphasis on the ‘slow down.’  “Do not cross flooded washes or bypass the ‘road closed’ barricades.  It can mean the difference between life or death.”
 
As little as two feet of water can sweep a car off the road in a dip or wash.  While the water may not look so deep, the road can be eroded underneath, making the wash impassable. Flooded roads may conceal debris or large objects that can damage your vehicle. Also, run off from storms in the mountains can reach desert areas that didn’t see any rain.
 
“We see that quite often here in the county,” Stanley said.  “It can be raining in the mountains and dry in the desert. A few hours later the washes are running. We try to stay on top of where the rain is hitting and plan for crews to visit nearby washes to see if they are running. If so, they will place a barricade if they feel it’s too dangerous to cross.”
 
In planning your travels during the monsoon season, a call to Pinal County’s Road Closure Hotline can alert you as to which roads are temporarily closed to due to a rainstorm.  The number to call is: 520-866-6078.  You can also find road closures on the county’s website at: www.pinalcountyaz.gov. 

There are more tips for staying safe during the monsoon season at www.monsoonsafety.org.

File photo