Monsoon season in Tucson (July-September) brings flash floods, dust storms, and dangerous driving conditions. The most important rule? "Turn Around, Don't Drown." But what if you get caught in a sudden downpour while driving?
CRITICAL MONSOON TIPS
- Pull Aside, Stay Alive: If a dust storm hits (Haboob) and visibility drops to zero, pull off the road, turn off your lights, and take your foot off the brake.
- The 6-Inch Rule: Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and 12 inches can float a car. Never cross a flooded wash.
- Engine Sputtering: If you splash through deep water and the engine chokes, your intake may be sucking in water. Stop immediately.
- Power Lines: High winds in Tucson frequently down poles. If a wire hits your car, stay inside until emergency services arrive.
To keep your car safe, regularly check your wiper blades before July hits. The desert sun ruins rubber in months, and you don't want to find out they are useless during a downpour on the I-10. If your engine stalls in water, do not restart it—hydrolock damage is permanent.