We have experienced substantial monsoon activity over the past week and with this being a relatively short-term phenomenon on an annual basis, it is easy to forget the potential these storms can have for destruction and danger.

Last week a storm uprooted and ripped limbs from dozens of trees around town, and that was with just 50-mile-per-hour wind gusts (recorded at Fountain Park).

Several streets were all but impassable with water running curb high, looking for a place to drain off.

Dust is not so much of a problem for Fountain Hills, but keep it in mind if you are driving in other parts of the Valley or state with a storm approaching.

We all like to think we are competent drivers and can handle a “little” rain on the streets. But let’s demonstrate that competence and slow down, don’t drive through flooded washes (we have plenty of those around town) and be courteous to other drivers and emergency workers who may not have a choice about being out in bad weather.