Flash flooding prompted mandatory evacuations in Sedona, Camp Verde and parts of Gila County on Sunday, 1 November, as heavy rain raised water levels and forced road closures across Arizona, according to The Arizona Republic and the Associated Press.
In Sedona, flooding in Oak Creek Canyon led officials to order residents in evacuation zones 8, 9 and 10 to leave. The Arizona Republic reported that the order was issued at 7:45 a.m. local time, with evacuees directed to Sedona Red Rock High School. The report said emergency crews carried out numerous rescues as floodwater surrounded vehicles and threatened homes.
Evacuation orders also affected residents near the Verde River, West Clear Creek and Wet Beaver Creek in Camp Verde. In Gila County, residents of Gisela were told to evacuate, while some areas of Tonto Basin were placed under “go” orders, according to the same report. Officials urged people to stay away from washes and flooded roads.
Flooding closed several highways. The Arizona Republic reported that Interstate 17 had reopened in both directions, while State Route 89A between Sedona and Kachina Village, State Route 73 between Indian Pine and White River, and State Route 238 between Maricopa and Gila Bend remained closed at the time of its report. No reopening time was given.
The Associated Press reported that the National Weather Service had issued flood watches for nearly all of Arizona, with heavy rain expected to threaten already saturated areas through Monday. An AZFamily report published late Sunday said evacuated areas including Sedona and Tonto Basin had received 2 to 4 inches of rain since Friday, with at least another inch possible in parts of the state’s High Country through early Monday.
The reports did not provide a confirmed statewide total of people rescued or displaced. Conditions and road access varied by area; residents were advised to follow local evacuation instructions and avoid driving through floodwater.
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