  <p>As full-service realtors serving the Scottsdale and Phoenix area, we 
          are often asked questions about the weather here in Arizona. During 
          the months of July and August, the greater Phoenix area experiences 
          what we call "monsoon season". The monsoon is characterized by extremely 
          high humidity, coupled with Arizona's summer heat. These conditions 
          combine and result in monsoon storms, which feature high winds and heavy 
          rains, as well as thunder and lightning. These storms are sudden and 
          intense, and residents in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area need to be 
          prepared. </p>
        <p>The Matheson Team has compiled this list of Facts You Should Know About 
          Thunderstorms and Lightning so you will know what precautions to take 
          if caught out in our summer weather. </p>
        <p>All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. They can bring 
          tornadoes, strong winds, hail, and flash flooding. If you can hear thunder, 
          you are close enough to be struck by lightning! Lightning has been known 
          to strike more than 10 miles from the storm in an area of clear sky 
          above. </p>
        <p>30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, 
          you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes 
          after hearing the last clap of thunder. The best protection is to be 
          inside a strong, sturdy building.</p>
        <p>Dry thunderstorms are prevalent in the western United States. Falling 
          raindrops evaporate before hitting the ground (this is called verge) 
          but lightning can still reach the ground and start wildfires. </p>
        <p>Warm humid conditions are highly favorable for thunderstorm development. 
          A severe thunderstorm has winds of 58 miles per hour or higher, can 
          produce hail of at least ¾ of an inch in diameter, and can even produce 
          a tornado. </p>
        <p>Make sure you know the name of your county and the names of surrounding 
          towns. Warnings are usually issued by county. Two types of warnings 
          you may hear (and what they mean): <br>
          Severe Thunderstorm Watch: issued when severe thunderstorms are possible 
          in and close to the watch area. The watch is issued to alert you to 
          the possibility that thunderstorms with damaging winds and large hail 
          may develop. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio and your local media weather 
          updates and stay informed!</p>
        <p> Severe Thunderstorm Warning: issued when a severe thunderstorm has 
          been spotted and is going to move through your county soon. The key 
          is to remain CALM, but take precautionary action IMMEDIATELY to protect 
          your life and property.<br>
          If a thunderstorm is likely in your area you should:</p>
        <p> -Postpone outdoor activities</p>
        <p> -Get inside a sturdy building that has electrical and plumbing systems 
          (this means the building will be grounded by wires and pipes). Shutter windows and secure outside 
          doors. If no shutters, close window blinds, shades or curtains. Stay away from the 
          windows. Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.</p>
        <p> -Avoid showering, bathing or running the water for any purpose. Plumbing 
          and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.</p>
        <p> -If you cannot get to a building, you should get into an automobile 
          with a hard top (not a convertible). Keep car windows closed, and do not touch any metal parts 
          of the car. The steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if 
          you are not touching metal. Note: Rubber tires and rubber-soled shoes provide NO protection 
          from lightning. <br>
          <br>
          -Use cordless and cellular phones during a thunderstorm phones with 
          a cord should only be used if other types are not available and it is an emergency. 
          Do not handle any electrical equipment or telephones, because lightning could follow the 
          wire. Use telephones ONLY in an emergency.<br>
          <br>
          -Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and 
          television sets. Leaving electric lights on does NOT increase the chances of your home being 
          struck by lightning. Turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious 
          damage.</p>
        <p> -Use your battery-operated NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
          Administration) Weather Radio for updates from local officials. Or, you can use a battery-operated 
          radio tuned to your local news station for storm updates. </p>
        <p>What to do if you are outside during a Thunderstorm</p>
        <p> Make sure to avoid:<br>
          -Tall, isolated trees in open areas. These could become natural lightening 
          rods.<br>
          -Hilltops, open fields, the beach, or a boat on the water<br>
          -Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas<br>
          -Anything metal for example: bicycles, golf clubs, motorcycles, golf 
          carts, fences, etc.</p>
        <p> If you are in a forest: Seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth 
          of small trees</p>
        <p> If you are in an open area: Go to a low place such as a ravine or 
          valley. Be alert for flash floods</p>
        <p> If you are on open water: Get to land and find shelter immediately. 
          The best course of action is to head for the nearest harbor away from 
          the approaching clouds, and to make sure all on board are wearing approved 
          personal safety flotation devices.</p>
        <p> If you're driving when a thunderstorm starts: Pull off the roadway. 
          A lightning flash hitting the vehicle could startle you and cause temporary 
          blindness, especially at night. </p>
        <p> If you feel your hair standing on end, and/or hear "crackling 
          noises" (which means lightning is about to strike): Immediately 
          remove metal objects, including baseball caps. Place your feet together, 
          duck your head, and crouch down low on the balls of your feet in baseball 
          catcher's stance with hands over your ears (to minimize hearing damage 
          from thunder). Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize 
          your contact with the ground. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.</p>
        <p>Use the Flash to Bang Method to estimate the distance between you and 
          a lightning flash: If you observe lightning, count the number of seconds 
          until you hear thunder. Divide the number of seconds by five to get 
          the distance in miles. </p>
        <p>If Thunder is heard The Lightning is... <br>
          5 seconds after a Flash 1 mile away <br>
          10 seconds after a Flash 2 miles away <br>
          15 seconds after a Flash 3 miles away <br>
          20 seconds after a Flash 4 miles away <br>
          25 seconds after a Flash 5 miles away <br>
          30 seconds after a Flash 6 miles away <br>
          35 seconds after a Flash 7 miles away <br>
          40 seconds after a Flash 8 miles away <br>
          If the time between flash and bang is 30 seconds or less, get to a 
          safe location NOW.<br>
        </p>
       