Weather
Weather happens on RAAM/RAW so pay attention. Watch the skies and check the local weather. Storms in the US, especially in the middle states can be dangerous and even deadly. Heat in Arizona can end your 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. Follow the directions of local authorities. You will likely encounter serious winds, rain, hail, and lightning 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, HQ will post a notice in Discord and if many riders are in the area we will send an announcement out on the WhatsApp community. We will post the change on this site with a link to it in Discord. Generally speaking, it is your responsibility to check the weather.
Use the maps of the National Weather Service to get a quick look at weather and 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.
Extreme Weather and Tornados
The United States has extreme weather. Extreme heat is not the only factor weather-wise of this race. You could enter torrential rain and hail, blowing dust that blackens the skies, flash floods, snow and ice at high elevations, lightening storms and tornados to name just a few of the dangers. Educate yourself on the weather and what to watch for. Be sure you understand tornados. https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/tornadoes/. Weather is not to be taken lightly. Be vigilant of watching the sky and on weather updates.