CALIFORNIA – San Bernardino County encourages residents to prepare for monsoon season in light of the upcoming Monsoon Awareness Week taking place June 8-14.
According to the county, monsoonal thunderstorms often impact mountain and desert regions. They can also bring sudden and severe weather to areas west of the mountains, including the Inland Empire.
The monsoon isn’t a single storm, it’s a seasonal weather pattern that typically spans from mid-June through late September, bringing rainfall in addition to a range of potential hazards like flash flooding, lightning, downburst winds and wildfires.
The National Weather Service San Diego and weather partners across the Southwest will share information about the North American Monsoon and how to stay safe this time of year.
More deaths occur due to flooding
The North American Monsoon is a seasonal wind shift from a dry westerly flow, to a moist southerly flow.
The increase in moisture leads to the development of showers, thunderstorms, and other hazardous conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, more deaths each year occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm-related hazard because people underestimate the force and power of water.
Many of the deaths occur in automobiles that are swept downstream.
Although monsoon season officially starts June 15th and lasts through September 30, the timeframe of greatest impact will vary regionally.
Preparedness tips
To prepare for monsoon season, the county recommends residents to:
- Visit Preparedness Starts Here for safety tips and planning resources.
- Follow San Bernardino County, Public Works and NWS San Diego on social media for updates and alerts.
- Join the conversation using #MonsoonAwarenessWeek.
For more safety tips from the National Weather Service visit https://www.weather.gov/twc/MonsoonSafety
