LAKE MONTEZUMA, Arizona — As heavy rains began in northern Arizona, some evacuation orders were lifted while the rest remained on Wednesday, but the threat of flooding lingered.

Officials with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said Sedona residents can return home after determining that the water level in Oak Creek has dropped sufficiently, but be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Said I should.

In nearby Cornville, lowlanders along Oak Creek were also told to consider or be prepared to evacuate.

Meanwhile, residents of the area where Camp Verde is located were told to evacuate due to flooding in the lowlands along the Verde River. A shelter has been set up.

Over the past two days, officials say increased flooding has made some areas of the Sedona and Cottonwood areas unsafe.

Parts of Black Canyon City were also ordered to evacuate, including an RV park along the Agua Julia River in Yavapai County.These orders were released around 6pm

The National Weather Service in Flagstaff said Wednesday afternoon that there will be excessive runoff even if the storm appears to have abated. People are urged to stay away from fast-flowing rivers and streams and avoid crossing flooded roads.

The city of Prescott in Yavapai County has also warned residents to stay off certain streams and creeks due to potential pollution. Storms have increased the flow of sewers, bringing domestic and commercial sewage to his two wastewater facilities.

However, city officials said in a news release that the sewer system had been “extended to maximum capacity” due to rainwater and snowmelt. The crew has been trying to keep the water flowing, but the manhole near Granite Creek has exceeded its capacity.

Officials say crews will begin disinfecting all affected areas after the tide recedes.

Weather conditions have already forced some roads and low-water intersections to close.

Salt River Project officials said the storm forced them to increase water discharge from two reservoirs on the Verde River.

The reservoir is already over 80% full.

A recent study found that the 13,000-square-mile (34,000-square-kilometer) watershed draining into these Verde Reservoirs has the deepest snow cover in 30 years.

Serving primarily central Arizona, the Salt River Project operates by strategically releasing water from dams on the Salt and Verde rivers into a network of canals.

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The Arizona Fire and Medical Department provides the following tips on hazards to be aware of during and after a flood, including fire, electrical, and chemical safety.

Generators and alternative heating devices can pose a fire hazard during floods if not used correctly or maintained properly. Puddles and appliances can become charged and cause electrical fires.

For electricity, residents of flooded areas should turn off their homes if they can reach the main breaker or fuse box. All wiring in your home can be electrically charged and dangerous. Residents should have their homes checked for damage by a professional technician before powering on.

Make sure that flammable liquids, such as thinner, lighter fluid, and gasoline, are not spilled in or near your home. Keep flammable liquids away from electrical or alternative heat sources to avoid ignition.

All smoke alarms in your home should be tested monthly and the batteries replaced annually. Some smoke alarms are dependent on your home’s electrical service and may go off when the power is turned off.

Make sure fire hydrants near your home are cleared of debris so fire departments can easily assess them in the event of a fire.