Flash Flooding Forces Evacuations and Rescues Across Arizona
Heavy rain from a powerful storm system unleashed dangerous flash flooding across Arizona over the weekend, forcing evacuations, prompting dozens of water rescues and closing major highways, including parts of Interstate 17.
The flooding hit hardest in central and northern Arizona on Sunday, Nov. 1. Rapidly rising floodwaters triggered water rescues and forced residents from their homes in several communities, including Camp Verde, Sedona and parts of the White Mountain Apache Tribe’s lands.
Here’s a look at the areas hit the hardest.
Camp Verde
Camp Verde was among the hardest-hit communities. Officials issued an emergency “GO” evacuation order for residents along the Verde River, West Clear Creek and Wet Beaver Creek. In an urgent alert, the Camp Verde Marshal’s Office warned residents of immediate danger: “Residents must evacuate immediately. Do not delay!”
By Sunday night, more than a dozen homes in the area had been flooded and destroyed as rivers and creeks spilled over their banks. The American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at the Camp Verde Town Gym with cots and supplies for displaced families.
The Phoenix Fire Department sent specialized rescue teams north along I-17 to help local crews pull trapped residents from their homes. Just north of Camp Verde, floodwaters knocked down trees and submerged roadways in Lake Montezuma and Rimrock. One resident said she watched the nearby creek rise about 20 feet in roughly seven minutes.
“It was so fast you have no time to think,” Tori Talkington told Arizona’s Family.
Sedona
In Sedona, Oak Creek overflowed, prompting evacuations and a large number of water rescues. The evacuations mainly affected east-side neighborhoods in Zones 8, 9 and 10, along with areas near Red Rock Crossing, Rimrock Drive and Perkinsville Road.
Firefighters called in extra crews to handle the rescues. Sedona Fire District Chief Ed Mezulis said crews were working to reach multiple people trapped inside their homes by rising water. An evacuation shelter opened at Sedona Red Rock High School.
The flooding also caused a sewage spill, with more than 2,000 gallons of sewage spilling into Oak Creek.
White Mountain Apache Tribe
The White Mountain Apache Tribe issued an emergency “GO” evacuation order for residents living along the river in Cedar Creek, East Fork and along River Road. The tribe’s Emergency Operations Center said transportation was available for residents who needed help evacuating.
Major Highway Closures
The flooding also shut down several major roads. The Arizona Department of Transportation reported these closures Sunday, with no estimated time for reopening:
Interstate 17: Northbound lanes were closed at State Route 179, and southbound lanes near Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.
State Route 89A: Closed in both directions between Sedona and Kachina Village.
State Route 73: Closed between Indian Pine and Whiteriver.
State Route 238: Closed between Maricopa and Gila Bend.
ADOT crews also responded to rockfall reports across northern Arizona, using plow trucks to clear debris from travel lanes.
Water Rescues in the Phoenix Area
The flooding began earlier in the weekend in the Phoenix area. Late Friday and early Saturday, emergency crews rescued dozens of drivers who drove into rising floodwaters. Near 40th Street and Camelback Road in Phoenix, crews rescued a driver from floodwaters roughly 4 feet deep.
“Just try not to drive if you don’t have to,” said Capt. Mike Johnson of the Phoenix Fire Department. He also warned that the ground was already saturated, so even a small amount of additional rain could fill washes and flood roads.
Why the Flooding Was So Severe
The flooding came as a powerful storm system pulled tropical moisture into the Southwest. Ahead of the storm, forecasters warned that parts of Arizona could see up to 5 inches of rain from Phoenix to Flagstaff, raising the risk of flash flooding. Arizona’s dry, rocky terrain can’t absorb heavy rain quickly, so runoff rushes into washes, creeks and rivers.
How to Stay Safe During Flash Flooding
Flash flooding can develop in minutes, especially in Arizona’s washes and canyons. Officials offer these reminders:
Never drive through flooded roads: Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and 12 inches can carry away most vehicles.
Follow evacuation orders immediately: “GO” orders mean leave right away.
Stay away from washes and creeks: Water levels can rise rapidly, even if it isn’t raining where you are.
Monitor local alerts: Follow your local emergency management office and ADOT for the latest updates.
As cleanup begins, officials urge residents in low-lying areas to keep monitoring emergency updates, since runoff from upstream can keep rivers and creeks running high even after the rain ends.
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