Evacuation orders issued as floods hit several Arizona counties

Parts of Yavapai, Coconino, Gila and Pinal counties have been issued immediate evacuation orders as a result of heavy floods from weekend rainfall.

Sedona Zones 8,9 and 10 as well as parts of the Cedar Creek area are under a mandatory “GO” evacuation order due to life-threatening flash flooding. The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a Flash Flood Warning covering Coconino and Yavapai counties.

Residents in the affected evacuation zones have been instructed to evacuate to Sedona Red Rock High School.

Coconino and Yavapai counties evacuation orders

At 8:15 a.m., Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain across the warned areas, with between 1.25 and 2.5 inches of rain accumulated.

Water levels pushed above flood stage along Oak Creek at both Sedona and Cornville. At 8 a.m., Oak Creek at Cornville reached a stage above 8.88 feet, exceeding its flood stage of eight feet. At Oak Creek in Sedona, water levels reached 15.06 feet at 7:45 a.m., above its flood stage of 14 feet.

The NWS warned that life-threatening flash flooding is possible along creeks and streams, normally dry washes, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

Several roadways are also at risk of flooding, including:

• State Route 179 between mile markers 310 and 313.
• State Route 89A between mile markers 373 and 384.
• State Route 89A between mile markers 386 and 390.

The warning also covers several recreation areas and campgrounds, including Manzanita Campground, Pine Flat Campground, Cave Springs Campground and Windmill Park.

Camp Verde in Yavapai county was issued an immediate evacuation notice around 2:45 p.m., with shelter at Camp Verde Town Gym.

Gila County evacuation orders

Gila County officials issued a “GO” evacuation order to residents and visitors at Tonto Basin.

Affected areas include the Greenback Valley RV Park, the lower end of Sleepy Hollow RV Park and the lower end of Lazy JR Ranch RV Park.

Orders are to evacuate to Tonto Basin Elementary School.

Pinal County evacuation orders

An emergency “GO” evacuation order is in effect for Queen Valley due to severe flooding.

The evacuation shelter site is at the Old Texaco station off US-60 in Florence Junction. Queen Valley Road and US-60 in the area are considered highly impassable.

Officials warned that dirt roads could become muddy and impassable, while paved roads and underpasses could also flood. Low-water crossings may become particularly dangerous during periods of heavy rain. Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roadways and find alternate routes. The NWS warns that people should never attempt to drive through flooded roads.

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