Joshua Tree National Park is known for a lot of things, from the unique yucca plants that give the park its name to oddly shaped boulders and miles of rolling sandy trails. But what happens when it rains in Joshua Tree?
The desert landscape is not known for storms, so when it does ran, it can affect the park in a big way.
Earlier this week, the national park posted a story on its Instagram account showing sand and dirt covering a road after heavy rains washed out part of the desert. Along with it came the caption, “Turn around. Don’t Drown. Severe monsoonal storms are affecting the park today.”
In short, when it rains in Joshua Tree, things can be messy and dangerous.
It’s currently monsoon season in the Mojave Desert, and rain is vital for the desert this time of year.
“In a desert, rain isn’t evenly distributed throughout the year. Weather patterns often create short, violent downpours that produce flash floods,” wrote the National Park Service on its website. “Much of the water runs off before it can soak into the soil. A lot of moisture is also lost to evaporation.”
Staying Safe When it Rains in Joshua Tree
Along with heavy rain comes flash flooding. People and vehicles need to avoid fast-moving water as it can easily sweep someone away.
A person living in the area captured this video:
The Joshua Tree National Park Association also shared some tips for visitors during this time of year.
The organization is a nonprofit that works with the park. In their post, they advised visitors to:
- Check the forecast before heading out
- Never drive through flooded roads or washes
- If thunder roars, go indoors (or to your vehicle)
As a precaution, the park will sometimes shut down areas when there is stormy weather. It’s best to check with the park for updates on the current situation.