How Arizona's Monsoon Season Can Impact Commercial Properties

Arizona’s monsoon season can bring more than heavy rain. For commercial property teams, sudden high winds, dust storms, flash flooding, and intense rainfall can create significant damage with little warning. In this episode of Inside Restoration & Recovery, Shane Hudson, General Manager of BMS CAT’s Phoenix location, explains what makes Arizona’s monsoon season unique and how facility and property managers can prepare. Unlike hurricanes that can often be tracked days in advance, monsoon storms can develop quickly. Hudson says these events may produce winds approaching 80 to 100 miles per hour, followed by several inches of rain in a short period. High winds can damage roofs, topple trees, and expose buildings before heavy rainfall arrives. Preparation starts with understanding a property’s vulnerabilities. Hudson recommends regularly inspecting roofs, keeping rooftop drainage systems clear, and evaluating trees surrounding buildings. Debris can obstruct drainage, leaving large volumes of water searching for another path into a facility. Hudson also shares lessons from a major microburst response in Arizona where 13 trees fell across eight buildings, displacing approximately 60 people. The experience demonstrates how quickly severe weather can turn into a complex, long-term restoration project. When damage occurs, safety and stabilization come first. From securing the property and assessing structural conditions to maintaining clear communication throughout reconstruction, Hudson emphasizes the importance of having trusted restoration partners identified before an emergency. For Arizona property teams, monsoon readiness ultimately comes down to preparation, communication, and knowing who to call when conditions change.