Katie Hobbs declares state of emergency after intense storms, flash flooding across Arizona

Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a statewide state of emergency on Monday following a weekend full of intense storms that caused severe flooding across Arizona.

The declaration makes $200,000 in emergency funding available. State agencies are already helping rescues, debris removal and more, according to the governor’s office.

“The safety and security of every Arizonan is my top priority,” Hobbs said in a news release. “I am issuing this emergency declaration to ensure our local authorities have the resources they need to clear roads, repair infrastructure, and help displaced residents. We will continue working directly with local emergency managers to rebuild and recover from this disaster.”

Hobbs noted the emergency declaration covers areas affected by the severe weather activity. The flooding damaged homes and roads as well as caused evacuations to be ordered in parts of Yavapai, Gila and Pinal counties.

On top of the evacuations, flooding left multiple highways throughout the state closed. The weather is also believed to have caused two men’s deaths in Flagstaff.

State and local agencies are working to clear roads and allow residents to return home safely.

An emergency declaration triggers the State of Arizona Emergency Response and Recovery Plan, which allows the Arizona Division of Emergency Management to manage state assets.

Additionally, the State Emergency Operations Center monitors requests, manages debris removal and coordinates life-safety operations.

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee also issued an emergency declaration for unincorporated parts of the county that is set to expire at 6 a.m. on Friday. It also asked the state to include the county within the scope of its emergency declaration.

“There are communities and residents that are hurting, and I am hopeful this emergency declaration will help facilitate necessary resources for assistance,” Brophy McGee said in a news release. “I thank Maricopa County first responders for their continued efforts, as well as people who throughout the storm and in its aftermath have been assisting their neighbors in need.”

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