Hurricanes in Arizona: The Damage They Cause
When you hear the word “hurricane,” what comes to mind? You may not think about the impact of hurricanes in Arizona.
If you’re like most people, you may think of the southeastern coast of the United States. Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas traditionally take a hit when hurricane season threatens America. It may seem like Arizona, a verifiable desert in the southwest, wouldn’t be threatened by hurricanes. But due to the southern latitude and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific coast, Arizona is still affected by hurricane season with some regularity.
2020 has been no exception. In the past, Arizona has experienced dramatic flooding, windstorms, and extreme weather due to hurricanes. For example, in 1983 excessive rain created massive flooding throughout the Tucson area. What’s happening this year?
What is Classified as a Hurricane?
A hurricane, as defined by the National Weather Service, is a tropical cyclone with wind speeds over 74 mph. Hurricanes are labeled with a category from 1-5, with a Category 1 hurricane being relatively mild, up to a Category 5 hurricane, which is absolutely devastating. A Category 3 hurricane is considered a major hurricane—Hurricane Katrina was a Category 5 hurricane. Below a Category 1 hurricane, intense storms might be labeled as tropical storms or tropical depressions.
The National Weather Service will issue a hurricane warning if your area can expect hurricane-force winds in the next three days, and a hurricane watch if there is a hurricane impacting your area in the next two days.
The hurricane season for the Atlantic, Gulf, and Caribbean runs June through November, and the location, temperature, and wind speeds will determine which geographic areas are impacted.
Information on Hurricanes in Arizona
For 2020, scientists predicted an above-average hurricane season. By August, it’s predicted there will be 19 storms and up to 11 hurricanes. There are some positive effects of these storms for Arizona, such as tropical storm Genevieve providing much-needed moisture to southern Arizona. However, there are negative impacts that come along with hurricane season in Arizona, including:
- Dust Storms: The combination of dry desert weather and the sudden powerful winds of a hurricane can create dust storms. Dust storms range from merely annoying to seriously problematic. Dust storms create issues with visibility and air quality, and they can also do damage to structures, vehicles, agriculture, livestock, and natural ecosystems.
- Heavy Rain: While the desert can benefit from rain, heavy rains can lead to standing water and damage to agriculture and ecosystems that aren’t prepared for inches of water.
- Flash Floods: Torrential rain pour that is localized to a small area can trigger flash flooding, especially in desert climates without significant roots and extensive low-lying areas. Flash flooding wipe away structures, farms, and possessions in an instant.
- Mudslides: Often more devastating than floods are mudslides. When flash flooding creates mudslides, it’s not just an issue of draining—its uncovering what’s been buried in thick layers of mud.
Hudson Douglas Public Adjusters Can Help with Hurricane Property Damage
If hurricanes in Arizona have negatively impacted your home or business during the 2020 Hurricane season, you’re not alone, and your insurance should have your back. Reach out to Hudson Douglas for a free consultation so that we can help you resolve your insurance claim. We’ll work for you, not your insurance company.
We’re licensed to offer services in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
