Arizona high-country evacuations lifted, some warnings remain

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Arizona high-country evacuations lifted, some warnings remain

March 23, 2023

As excessive runoff and elevated river flows continue to flood parts of the valley from recent storms, conditions across Arizona are improving and high-altitude evacuations are being lifted.

According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, rainfall has been variable over the past few days, with up to 4 inches or more in some areas, drenching Arizona people and flooding dams and reservoirs across the state. I was.

As a result, multiple neighborhoods, including Yavapai and Coconino counties, have been ordered to evacuate, which have since been downgraded or lifted.

Rain showers persisted in parts of Arizona on Thursday, and it could take some time for the flooding to subside.

Evacuation lifted but residents advised to stay vigilant

Many of the SET/GO status issued in response to rising rivers have been lifted or reduced in several areas of Yavapai and Coconino counties, but residents remain vigilant as flood warnings may continue. It is advised that

According to Coconino County Twitter, the recent SET order has been lifted and water levels in streams have dropped significantly, requiring all residents to return to a READY state. However, higher-than-normal flows are still expected on Oak Creek, which may make it impossible to cross low-tide intersections and driveways.

Residents are advised to be aware of any new flood warnings or advisories issued by the National Weather Service.

Similar orders issued have also been lifted in parts of Yavapai County, with the sheriff’s office sharing an update on Twitter. Camp Verde SET and GO messages Along the Verde River, Beaver Creek, and West Clear Creek have been lifted and are no longer valid.

Additionally, previous GO messages issued to residents of the Cottonwood and Bridgeport lowlands along the Verde River have been reduced to SET status. However, Bates Road homes still deal with puddles and GO status remains valid.

The Coconino County Department of Public Works is also working with the County Sheriff’s Office to Stoneman Lake Road between Interstate 17 and Lake Mary Road is closed Due to running water and muddy conditions.

Full-time residents of Stoneman Lake have access to their property, but all motorists are advised to exercise caution when traveling in these areas. He said the closure would continue until he could.

Which flood warnings remain?

according to National Weather Service Phoenix Officeflood warnings are still in effect for a good portion of the Phoenix area, even as levels begin to drop.

“The Salt and Verde rivers above Granite Reef, the Salt and Gila rivers below Granite Reef all the way to Avondale, the Hassayampa River from Wickenburg to the Gila River and the New River around Peoria also flooded. There are warnings in the region and west of Phoenix,” said Jared Heil, a meteorologist at the Phoenix office.

The warnings for both the Salt and Verde rivers remain in place until March 31st, while the rest won’t last much longer and may end by the end of the week.

“Longer Hughes warnings are for tributaries of these major rivers, such as the Verde and Salt Rivers, which have large volumes of water coming out of their basins. Because it’s almost full, the rain to our north and northeast will continue to flow, so more water will be released,” Heil said.