'All hell breaks loose': Arizona resident captures monsoon thunderstorm

A recent social media post from Arizona offers a first-person look at monsoon season in a state many may think of for its dry, desert conditions.

What's happening?

Content creator Ang (@angel_la77) shared a short video online this week showing what a monsoon storm can look like in Arizona.

@angel_la77 Monsoon storm in Arizona😍 #arizona #thunderstorm #monsoon #rai ♬ Heavy Thunderstorm and Light Rain with Intense Lightning and Thunder Sounds - Relaxing Guru

In the comments, others noted what they are seeing amid the heavy rains and winds. One wrote, "So insane — we lost power all night." 

Others were desperate for precipitation amid their own dry conditions. One commenter wrote, "You all are so lucky. Send it to Vegas, please."

Why does it matter?

While many outside the state may be unaware of Arizona's rainy season, monsoons are typical there from June through September. Meanwhile, some researchers believe climate change could be exacerbating the storms.

Monsoons can bring much-needed rain to dry areas, but they can also create dangerous conditions within minutes. Heavy downpours, lightning, strong wind, low visibility, and sudden street flooding can all disrupt daily life, travel, and power service.

As one commenter on Ang's video described, "all hell breaks loose."

Extreme weather can endanger lives and livelihoods by damaging homes, straining power grids, disrupting work, and threatening public health. When storms intensify, communities can face unsafe roads, lost income, costly repairs, and added risks for older adults, outdoor workers, pets, and anyone without reliable shelter or backup power.

What can I do?

In monsoon-prone areas, preparedness can make a real difference. Keeping weather alerts turned on, charging phones ahead of storms, and having flashlights, water, food, and pet supplies ready can help households stay safer if conditions worsen rapidly.

It also helps to avoid driving through flooded streets or low-visibility storm bands, even if the water looks shallow. Fast-moving water and slick roads can become dangerous much faster than they appear from behind the wheel.

At home, residents can bring in lightweight outdoor furniture, check window and door seals, and make a plan for pets that may panic during thunder and lightning. Monsoon season can be highly localized — and highly unpredictable.

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