The desert is a harsh environment, especially when it comes to weather. The lack of trees and other vegetation can make it difficult for plants and animals to survive in the desert. However, some plants have adapted to the harsh desert climate and can survive on the occasional rain shower.
Some areas of the Arizonan desert can flood during monsoon season. Freedom Insurance Agency in Mesa, AZ is here to give you the information you need to understand our region’s flooding risks.
When is the monsoon season in Arizona?
Monsoon season in Arizona typically lasts from July to September, though the exact timing can vary from year to year. The monsoon season is caused by the movement of moisture from the ocean toward the land, which is called onshore wind.
This wind brings moisture from the ocean and causes the region to get rain and thunderstorms. The monsoon can cause flooding in some parts of Arizona, but not all areas will get rain during the monsoon season.
How often do floods happen in Arizona?
On average, our state gets about 40 to 100 floods annually. Most of these floods are caused by heavy rains during the monsoon season. Flooding can also be caused by snowmelt during the winter, where snow at higher altitudes causes water to run down the mountains and into the valleys.
Arizona’s experienced 116 severe floods in the last ten years. Most of these were flash floods instead of river floods. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines a severe flash flood as one that causes damage or injury to people or property. In the worst cases, a flood is designated "catastrophic," meaning that the danger is imminent and is likely to cause death or severe injury.
Contact Us Today
As you can see, even though we live in a desert state, flooding is still a significant problem in and around Mesa, AZ. Flood insurance is not part of a standard homeowners insurance policy. Reach out to Freedom Insurance Agency today to find out more.
