Severe Flooding in Northern Arizona Prompts Evacuations and Rescues
In the wake of relentless rainfall, northern Arizona communities are dealing with extensive flooding that has led to numerous evacuations and emergency responses. The heavy rain over the weekend has significantly impacted areas such as Sedona, Camp Verde, and Cottonwood, with officials urging caution as water levels remain dangerously high.
In Sedona, the rapid rise of Oak Creek’s waters left many residents stranded, requiring helicopter rescues from rooftops. Similar evacuation orders were issued in other areas like Camp Verde, Winslow, and Tonto Creek, as rivers and creeks overflowed their banks.
Flagstaff experienced continuous rain that overwhelmed storm drains and caused road flooding. Authorities are currently searching for a missing person who fell into the floodwaters on the city’s southside.
Though the rain is forecasted to exit the region by Monday, the threat of flooding persists, according to the National Weather Service, as water levels remain elevated.
Oak Creek’s water level dramatically surged from approximately 3 feet to 18 feet, prompting the evacuation of over 100 homes in Sedona. The creek’s water flow reached around 20,000 cubic feet per second, surpassing typical releases from Glen Canyon Dam into the Colorado River.
Coconino emergency management director Tim Carter highlighted the unprecedented nature of the flooding. “Some folks have said they’ve been working in their positions and their areas for 20, 25 years, and I’ve never seen flooding like this before,” Carter remarked. As waters recede, authorities will assess the full extent of the damage, potentially leading to a local emergency declaration.
Flagstaff’s administrative buildings and non-essential facilities remain closed, with residents advised to minimize travel. In response, schools in Sedona, Oak Creek, and other communities have either canceled or delayed classes.
In Prescott, the storm caused Watson Lake to overflow, with city crews monitoring the situation closely. The American Red Cross has established shelters in affected areas including Sedona, Camp Verde, and Prescott.
Officials issued evacuation orders for areas such as Rim Rock and Clarkdale in Yavapai County, as well as for neighborhoods in Winslow and communities along Cibecue Creek. Shelters have been set up at local schools and community facilities to accommodate evacuees.
Power outages impacted thousands of APS customers in Williams and Bellemont. Safety officials continue to advise against driving through flooded roadways, with reports of vehicle rescues in Munds Park.
Emergency crews in Sedona have conducted multiple rooftop evacuations as floodwaters isolated residents. With Election Day approaching, efforts are being made to ensure polling places remain accessible.
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