Historic rainfall on Flagstaff area burn scar induces flooding

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Officials in northern Arizona are reporting that historic levels of rainfall on the burn scar of a large wildfire two years ago have created a significant danger for Flagstaff residents, with surging waters pouring Tuesday afternoon into neighborhoods and rushing down streets past houses protected by piles of sandbags.

Hourly precipitation of more than 3 inches Tuesday along the southern part of the scar was described by the Coconino County Flood Control District as a “200 to 500 year rainfall event.”

Lesser, but still significant levels of rain were recorded in other areas of the water-repellent scar, which was fully soaked Tuesday afternoon.

No one has been reported hurt, and the damage to public infrastructure remains unknown from the rivers of muddy water dragging down large rocks and wildfire debris like trunks, pine needles and scorched trees.

Area schools Tuesday afternoon asked parents to wait an extra half hour or more for safety reasons to pick their children up after classes.

“I think we may see some significant damage, and maybe even flooding to houses, but we will not know until we are done cleaning up,” said Flagstaff city spokeswoman Jessica Drum.

She said heavy flooding last month caused about $5 million in damage to local public infrastructure like storm drains and roads.

Heavy rainfall has been pretty regular in the area since mid-July, when Flagstaff residents saw the first flooding after the start of Arizona’s annual monsoon season.

“The area remains at real risk for repetitive, heavy flooding,” Drum said.

Flash flooding is possible mostly in Coconino County through Tuesday evening, with thunderstorms diminishing overnight.

Prefilled sandbags were being made available to help protect property from flooding amid forecasts of additional rain.