Weather

Weather happens on RAAM/RAW so pay attention. Watch the skies and check your local weather. Storms in the US, especially in the middle states can be dangerous and even deadly. Heat in Arizona can end you race before you barely get started. Plan ahead, be prepared, and be safe. Keep lots of water on you and watch your riders for heat stroke.

Watch for flooding during storms. Never enter any flowing water. Flooding creeks will sweep a car away and certainly a rider. Tornados can and do happen so do as local authorities tell you. You will likely encounter serious winds, rain, hail, and lightening storms. Racing is important but it is not worth your life - be smart.

Everyone on RAAM and RAW will experience weather. HQ doesn't give time credits for weather except in very extreme situations when the route gets blocked and even then it is minimal. If the route changes then HQ will text out an announcement for you to get the change online. Generally speaking, it is your responsibility to check the weather.

Use this map to get a quick look at weather warnings. Remember, weather changes and this is only a general overview. You must judge weather based on your own location and on the ground situations. Use the layers option to customize it to your needs. To see current conditions, go to the full map at https://goo.gl/DdvooZ

HEAT - Recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness. Early symptoms include things such as headache, thirst, and muscle cramps. Serious symptoms include weakness, skin that is cool to the touch, fast but weak pulse, nausea, and fainting. Severe symptoms include hot and red dry skin, fast and strong Pulse, sweating that has stopped, and unconsciousness. Untreated heat illness can lead to fatal heat stroke. (National Weather Service)

If you suspect your rider is in trouble, get medical attention.


Tornados

While tornados can happen in AZ, you need to mainly watch for them after you descend Wolf Creek Pass and across the middle states to West Virgina. For information on tornados please watch this video and check this website - https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/tornadoes/. Educate ourself on tornados.