Monsoons, Microbursts and Haboobs: Are You Ready?

Thunderstorms are common in the summer, but they aren’t the only dangerous storms you may face. Depending on where you live, you need to be ready for monsoons, microbursts and haboobs, too. Take these precautions to protect yourself, your family and your property.

You never know how damaging a storm could be, so it’s important to have the insurance coverage you need. Talk to Farm Bureau and review your policies to make sure you’re protected.

What Storms Are More Common in the Summer?

The weather patterns in different areas can mean conditions are right for certain types of storms to develop.

Monsoons

Monsoons are seasonal wind shifts that cause thunderstorms. In the United States, the monsoon season runs from June 15 to September 30. That’s when the winds can change from dry and westerly to moist and southerly, causing thunderstorms, flash floods and dust storms. Monsoons mainly affect the southwestern United States.

To prepare, follow these general monsoon season safety tips:

• Have a family communication plan in place that includes a meeting location.
• Build an emergency kit with food, water, medication and important documents.

During a thunderstorm:

• Stay inside or seek shelter if you hear thunder and remain there until you don’t hear thunder for at least 30 minutes.
• Stay away from fast-moving water, whether you’re on foot or in a vehicle.

Microbursts

What is a microburst? It’s a column of air that sinks down during a thunderstorm. Microbursts can be caused when an updraft that’s holding water (and possibly hail) is no longer strong enough to hold, and the water and hail falls to the ground all at once.

Microbursts can have wind speeds of more than 100 miles per hour and can be as dangerous as some tornadoes. 

To prepare for a microburst:

• Move or secure items that could become windborne, like patio furniture, umbrellas, trash cans, planters and dead branches.
• Repair any loose or damaged shingles or siding.
• Stay indoors or seek shelter during thunderstorms.

Haboobs

A haboob is a type of dust storm that forms because of thunderstorm winds. They often only last for a few minutes, but the dust and debris can cut visibility to zero, so haboobs are especially dangerous if you’re driving. They can cause multi-car pileups that could be fatal. They’re most common in the southwestern United States, but they can occur anywhere in the country.

What to do if you’re driving and a haboob strikes:

• Pull over as far as possible, set the emergency brake and turn off the lights. If you keep your lights on, a motorist approaching from behind might try to follow them and drive off the road. They could even crash into you.
• If you can’t pull off the road, drive slowly with your lights on and beep your horn intermittently. Try to follow the painted lane markers. Pull off when you can. Don’t stop on the road.

Make Sure You’re Covered Against Storm Damage

Depending on where you live, you may be at high risk for monsoons, microbursts, haboobs, thunderstorms or other summer weather risks. Don’t wait to find out if you have enough coverage. Talk to a Farm Bureau agent and make sure your home, vehicles and property have the protection they need.