monsoon

As monsoon rains set in, the potential for flash flooding and debris flows in the Mangum Fire area intensifies and forest roads may be closed as a result. Throughout the 2021 monsoon, the following forest roads, in the vicinity of and including Forest Road 22, were temporarily closed due to flash flooding and debris flow damage and could see potential closures again during the 2022 monsoon:

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests experiences annual flooding and drought almost every year. With most of the year’s moisture arriving in a continual 6-8 weeks out of the year, it is crucial to prepare and know what to do in the very likely event of extreme weather.

Monsoon 2022 has arrived, and with it the promise of thunderstorms that will bring welcome rain. But the storms and the dust they kick up also bring health hazards, especially for those who already have respiratory ailments.

Monsoonal activity has provided relief and moderated the fires activity. Most of the areas where heavy fuels were burning have subsided in recent days, and smoke impacts to nearby communities should be minimal.

Operations: Fire crews will continue to mop up and extinguish any remaining hot spots and will patrol containment lines to mitigate any threats. The Hog Spring fire transitioned from a type 4 incident management team to a type 5 fire organization today, with Incident Commander Jakob Gormally. 

A menacing wall of dust appears in the distance, suddenly blocking the sun as visibility drops to almost nothing.

Blasts of wind scatter tree branches that block traffic lanes and dust gives way to torrents of rain that flood roadways.

Drivers who don’t know how to respond can be shaken, stranded or even injured. That’s why the Arizona Department of Transportation is kicking off Monsoon Awareness Week (June 13-17) by sharing important safety information so motorists are prepared for dust storms and severe weather.

Temperatures are rapidly rising and schools are letting out, which means summer is here. And since summers in Arizona get really hot, the Arizona Department of Transportation wants to remind drivers to protect themselves and their vehicles this summer.

Governor Doug Ducey has proclaimed this week, May 23 - 27, as Heat Awareness Week. And for those traveling in and around Arizona this summer, ADOT has compiled some safety tips to help make sure you are prepared for soaring summer temperatures.