Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a statewide state of emergency in Arizona on Monday, Nov. 2, after flash floods. The decision releases $200,000 in state funds to help local communities.
According to state authorities, the downpours lasted 72 hours, beginning Oct. 30. Flooding affected seven counties and five Native American tribes. The money will go to the Arizona Division of Emergency Management, which is to coordinate relief and recovery efforts.
Apache, Gila and Yavapai counties, along with the cities and towns of Camp Verde, Prescott and Sedona, had earlier declared their own states of emergency. On Sunday morning, a mass evacuation was ordered in Sedona, where Oak Creek overflowed. Evacuations also covered Winslow, Cottonwood and Camp Verde. The Arizona Department of Public Safety is assisting with water rescues and evacuations.
According to AZFamily, more than 100 homes in Camp Verde were flooded after Beaver Creek overflowed its banks. The Camp Verde Marshal’s Office issued an evacuation order for all areas near rivers and creeks. In Cottonwood, families are returning to homes flooded by the Verde River.
Some roads remain closed, including State Route 87 near Winslow and State Route 89A between Sedona and Kachina Village. Drivers should check current conditions and avoid driving through flooded sections.
In the Phoenix area, the city of Tempe closed Tempe Town Lake to all water activities, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, rowboats and sailing. The reason is increased water flow and the risk of debris, as Salt River Project is increasing releases from Bartlett and Stewart Mountain dams. Parks around the lake are open, and fishing is allowed. The closure remains in effect until further notice, and the lake will be inspected daily. Questions can be directed to Tempe 311 at 480-350-4311.
Maricopa County has sought to be included in the statewide declaration. The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for Maricopa County, in effect until Nov. 7. It covers areas affected by water releases from Tempe Town Lake and Granite Reef Dam.
Source: KJZZ, AZFamily
KN
