(CNN) Monsoon rains brought extreme flash flooding to the Southwest this week, creating scenes of vehicles bobbing down neighborhood roads like rafts on class three rapids. In the following monsoon seasons, there was little rainfall, creating flash flooding problems in the area. Each year more people are killed by flash flooding than lightning, with the average being 88 deaths according to the NWS. Monsoon season rainfall is typically sporadic in nature, with bursts of downpours in some areas while other areas remain dry. Widespread drought alleviation is difficult unless an active monsoon season drenches the region.

Source: CNN July 17, 2021 00:00 UTC