Arizona is one of the most rugged terrains in the United States. With the Sonoran desert’s extraordinary scenery; deep canyons and Saguaro cactus scattered across the desert, breathtaking sunsets, the majestic red rocks of Sedona, to the pines of Flagstaff, outdoor enthusiasts revel in exploring the beautiful landscape. Arizona’s countryside is also one of the most unforgiving with triple digit temperatures in summer months. July through August temperatures can range from 90-128 degrees. Arizona’s monsoon season also brings perilous flash floods consuming everything in their path. In a matter of minutes, 10-30 foot walls of water can fill canyon streams and dry creek beds. This, combined with some of the most deadly critters in the country, such as the Arizona Diamondback rattlesnake, makes Arizona not only one of the most beautiful places to explore but one of the most dangerous.
Michael Sean Grenley, 41 years old, left his home near 75th Ave and Deer Valley in north Glendale at 1pm on July 19th. He was driving his red Jeep Rubicon, AZ license plate 797-VZS. He is described as an avid off-road enthusiast and often drives to remote areas in his jeep. Grenley, an employee at Honeywell, also suffers from a medical condition and needs his prescription medicine. Friends and family describe Grenley as a very experienced 4-wheeler.
On July 19, Arizona experienced a storm that created a nearly 3,000-4,000 foot high wall of dust at approximately 4:30pm as it rolled through Pinal and Maricopa counties. The National Weather Service reported the storm reached 20-40 mph and reduced visibility up to 60 feet in some areas. Also, known as a ‘Haboob’ in Arabic, this storm was significantly smaller than the July 5th dust storm that produced a wall of dust 5,000-8000 feet high. However, the most recent storm brought with it rain and winds that brought down trees and the potential of major flash flooding in the desert. Weather officials say Haboob only occur in Arizona, parts of the Middle East and the Sahara desert due to dry conditions and high amounts of sand. This extreme weather would pose hazard to anyone caught in its path.
amily and friends continue to wait for any word that Michael Grenley is safe. Glendale Police Department continues to search for the missing man.