Now in April, storm warnings, flood warnings, wildfires and red flag warnings are all issued on the same day.
Most of these warnings are in effect through Monday evening, but flood monitoring in Maricopa County will continue through the week, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, a wind warning means wind speeds of 30 to 40 mph or gusts of 40 to 58 mph are expected. This high wind can make driving difficult.
Additionally, high winds in desert areas can lift dust and sand, temporarily reducing visibility to less than a mile. Please be very careful.
Strong southwesterly winds are already forming at 10:40 am on Monday. Stronger winds are expected Monday afternoon through Monday evening. Drive with extreme caution, especially in and around dusty areas east of Flagstaff along Interstate 40 northeast toward the Navajo Nation.
Areas with strong wind warnings:
- Parker Valley, Kofa, Yuma, Central La Paz County, Southeast Yuma County, Gila River Valley: High Wind Advisory Monday 8am-11pm
- Aguila Valley, Apache Junction, Buckeye, Avondale, Cave Creek, Central Phoenix, Deer Valley, East Valley, Fountain Hills, Gila Bend, North Phoenix, Pinal County, Northwest Valley, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Sonoran Desert National Monument , South Mountain, Awatsky, Queen Creek, Tonopah Desert: High Wind Advisory Monday from 2pm to 11pm
- Dripping Springs, Grove, Mazzazzal Mountains, New River Mesa, Pinal, Rio Verde, San Carlos, Southeast Gila County, Superior, Tonto Basin: High Wind Advisory Monday from 2pm to 11pm
- Coconino Plateau, Yavapai County, North Gila County: High Wind Advisory Monday 8am-11pm
Areas with strong wind warnings:
- Kaibab Plateau, Navajo Nation, White Mountains, and areas along and north of the Mogollon Rim: High wind warning Monday from 8am to 11pm
The Japan Meteorological Agency is urging people to secure loose objects that can be blown or damaged by the wind.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, a red flag warning means that severe fire weather conditions are occurring or are expected to occur. The combination of high winds, low relative humidity and dry vegetation can cause fires to spread rapidly.
Areas with red flag warnings:
- East Pinal and Pima counties: Red Flag Warning Monday 9am to 9pm
The Tucson National Weather Service advises caution when driving high-profile vehicles. Do not drive in vegetated areas.
The fires started Sunday and are still burning north of Clarkdale off Tuzigoot Road. Fire officials say it covers about 20 acres. No structures are currently threatened. The fire is located near the Tavasi wetlands area next to the Tuzigoot National Monument. Fire officials said today’s weather forecast calls for strong winds. The U.S. Forest Service took over command of the fire.
A flood warning was sent out Monday morning as the release of the upstream dam continues to flood. This effect lasts until late Friday afternoon.
Areas with flood warnings:
- Maricopa County: Flood warning until 5 p.m. Friday
