Another storm is moving in today through Thursday, with more flooding anticipated. Be prepared.
The National Weather Service reports that periods of heavy rain and snow melt from Wednesday through Thursday will lead to rises in area waterways, contributing to the potential for minor to moderate flooding in some areas along Oak Creek and Wet Beaver Creek.
The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated for essential personnel since the beginning of the Winter Storm event to support needs throughout the County, including mitigating potential flooding issues and coordinating with local public safety officials.
Oak Creek and Wet Beaver Creek are expected to exceed the flood stage on Thursday morning at approximately 3 am, with the most significant flood potential in Cornville and Rimrock. Near Sedona, water levels will reach terraces near Tlaquepaque Bridge and several residential and commercial properties near Tlaquepaque Bridge. Near Cornville, significant flooding of the RV Park near Page Springs Road is expected. Water near Rimrock will likely impact ground-level residences along Rim Rock Drive and Beaver Vista. Portions of the Verde River will have elevated flows and may approach flood stages.
Water levels will not reach that of the 1993 flood event; however, they will be close to the 2019 flood event in some areas.
Waters are swift running and dangerously cold due to snow melt and runoff. Residents should avoid all waterways. Localized flooding can be expected on streets and may increase pothole activity. Appropriate Public Works Departments continue to address issues as they arise. Do not drive on flooded streets, washes, or low-water crossings. Obey all traffic, detour, and roadblock signs. Turn around, don't drown.
We encourage residents to remain prepared by:
- Developing a family plan and having emergency telephone numbers available.
- Assemble an emergency supply kit with enough food, water, and other supplies for at least 72 hours. In addition, include essential medicines and life-saving medical equipment. For a complete list, please visit: www.ready.gov/kit
- Assemble a go-bag in the event an evacuation becomes necessary. Remember the 5 P’s: Persons/Pets, Personal Items, Important Papers, Prescriptions, and Priceless Items.
- Sign up for your local Emergency Notification System, including alertYAVAPAI, at www.ycsoaz.gov/ENS and follow reputable and reliable sources for current information.
- If applicable, consider moving your vehicle to higher ground to avoid flood damage.
YCOEM will coordinate with the American Red Cross to open an Evacuation Center or Shelter if an evacuation becomes necessary.
Sandbags are available at various locations. Availability will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. For a list of sandbag locations, please visit the YCOEM website: https://yavapaiaz.gov/publicworks/emergency-management. Expect to fill and transport your sandbags. Please bring a shovel.
For the 7-Day Forecast, visit the National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov/fgz/
For creek flow updates, visit the Yavapai County Flood Control District website: https://yavapaiaz.gov/ycflood/weather.