Photos of dramatic West Valley rescue show dangers of flash flooding

PHOENIX – Rescue crews were plenty busy Monday as flash flooding imperiled vehicles across the Valley.

The Buckeye Fire Department documented one of the more dramatic rescues in a Facebook post that evening.

The Buckeye, Buckeye Valley and Avondale fire departments responded to a water rescue call at 411th Avenue and Salome Highway near Tonopah.

It was difficult for the crews to even get to the area because of all the flooding in the area, the post said.

When they arrived, they found a truck stuck in a wash partially submerged in rising water with a swift current.

A man was perched on the truck’s roof, and the water was up to the vehicle’s hood.

Photos show several rescuers wading into the water close enough the throw the man a life jacket.

Then they were able to maneuver an Avondale fire truck close enough to the man to reach him with its aerial ladder, allowing him to climb to safety.

The photos provide a stark reminder about the dangers of flash flooding in metro Phoenix during heavy storms.

Flash flood warnings for the region remained in place throughout Tuesday, as many roads and normally dry washes were still submerged.

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