Arizona crew rescues woman trapped in minivan from flooded wash
Oct 20, 2015, 8:34 AM | Updated: 1:05 pm
(KTAR Photo/Jim Cross)
Storm runoff trapped a woman who tried to drive her minivan across a wash Tuesday morning north of Phoenix.
Authorities and rescue workers arrived near 19th Avenue and Irvine Road, close to the Anthem area, where the dark-colored minivan sat surrounded by rushing water in Skunk Creek.
The woman was pulled slowly and safely from the van by a fire department rescue crew, who waded into water deep enough to cover the vehicle’s wheels.
She said she hadn’t believed the crossing would be that dangerous.
Driver involved in water rescue has been pulled to safety on the shore. Area will remain closed due to flooding.
— Maricopa Sheriff (@MaricopaSheriff) October 20, 2015
The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for the more rural areas of the Valley, particularly for the New River/Cave Creek area, lasting until 10:45 a.m.
Originally the warning for New River was in effect until 8:30 a.m.
Be sure to monitor the weather today. There is a slight risk of severe storms over portions of Arizona. #azwx pic.twitter.com/5OWW880GGY
— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) October 20, 2015
Morning and overnight rain fell across metro Phoenix. There was also thunder and lightning.
More rain was expected in the Valley through Wednesday. Some areas could see as much as an inch.
Flooding reported on US 93 near milepost 149, about 15 miles south of Wikieup. Across Arizona, drivers should watch for water in low areas.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) October 20, 2015
Despite having a “stupid motorist” law on the books, very few drivers have been prosecuted, according to Wikipedia.