The monsoon season in North America usually begins from early to mid June and can carry on through until late September, but the storms can really reach their most destructive around July through August.
These storms can be quite dangerous and have the potential to be detrimental to both your health and your safety which is why it is so vital that you are well prepared throughout these months.
Throughout this article, we will discuss how you can ensure you’re prepared, how to stay safe, and how to keep yourself informed.
Be Prepared
Mother nature has a tendency to be unpredictable. Sure to a degree we can spot trends in the weather, and sometimes you’ll have some advanced warning of oncoming storms.
However, these can progress very quickly, and by the time you’re aware that it’s coming, it’s too late to gather all the essentials that you may need.
The best way to protect yourself and your family is to always be prepared for the worst-case scenario. It is always better to have and not need than to need and not have. So how can you stay prepared?
Stay Informed
Make sure you are subscribed to a severe weather notification service so that you are alerted of any potential dangerous natural occurrences.
Remember a weather watch means that the current conditions mean that there is potential for a storm, while a weather warning means that severe weather is about to occur or has already begun.
Secure Outdoor Objects
Ensure that any of your outdoor objects are firmly secured to the ground as they can often be swept away by those strong winds.
Worst Case Scenario Plan
While we like to believe that we’ll never be in a really fatal situation, you must always plan for the very worst to happen so that you are prepared.
You should have an emergency bag packed at all times and it should contain the following; water, non-perishable food, battery-operated radio, fresh back of batteries, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and any medication that you require.
Escape Routes
You should always know ways to get out of your home should you need to. If you have an automatic garage door opener, take the time to learn how to open it manually.
Stay Safe
It’s really important to stay safe while the monsoon season ravages on. Here are some tips to follow during a storm to avoid harm.
During Lightning
Stay Inside– Lightning can strike from as far as 10 miles away from rainfall. If you can hear thunder or have seen lightning, stay indoors to reduce the risk of getting struck.
Only Use Your Phone If It’s An Emergency– Even a cordless phone can cause you to be shocked if lightning strikes close by. If it’s an emergency use your cell phone to make a call.
Avoid Plumbing– Don’t touch your faucets, put a wash on, go for a shower, or even wash your hands. Plumbing conducts electricity so avoid your bathroom completely if you can.
Stay Away From Windows
Stay Low– If you find yourself stuck outside with no shelter during a thunderstorm always stay on low ground and avoid fences, poles, or trees.
During High Winds
Stay Inside– Monsoon winds can cause similar damage to a tornado, the winds are almost always above 40 mph and sometimes they can even exceed a staggering 100 mph.
Stay Away From Trees-These winds will be able to knock down trees like they are child’s toys. Keep away from trees and powerlines that may fall.
Stay Away From Windows
Never Touch A Powerline– If a powerline has been knocked down, even if it looks dead – DO NOT TOUCH.
During Dust Storms
Pull Over Immediately If You’re Driving– Dust storms will reduce all visibility immediately so always pull over, park and then turn off your taillights to avoid being struck from behind.
Stay Put-In this instance it is best to stay where you are until the dust passes or settles.
Stay Inside– If you can avoid a dust storm then do so.
During Flash Flooding
Do Not Drive Through Water-Try not to drive where possible. You can lose control of your vehicle in as little as 6 inches of water and your vehicle will start to float in 2 feet of water.
Follow the ‘Stupid Motorist Law’– This law was put in place after drivers continued to drive around barricades put in place to keep cars away from flooded areas. If you do drive around these barriers now and get stuck you will be fined by both the police and emergency services.
Stay Inside-Where possible try to avoid being out in the downpour.
Keep Informed
Finally, always make sure that you have a radio, weather app, or weather station to hand so that you can keep an eye on the developing situation. Always follow any guidelines and advice from your local authorities.
Hi, my name is Andrew Capper and I have been a meteorologist for almost 30 years now. My line of work specializes in the scientific principles used to explain and understand the earth’s atmosphere and how that affects everyday life.
I created this website to share my knowledge and help others stay safe during extreme weather events.
I’ll be looking at weather forecasting, clouds, tornadoes, hurricanes, and much more - so, if you’ve ever been fascinated by the weather like I have been since I was a young boy, this is the site for you. Enjoy!
