Severe flooding caused by torrential rain in central Arizona has resulted in at least four fatalities, according to emergency services. The Phoenix area saw about 1.64 inches of rain, as reported by the National Weather Service, which affected streams and roads that are known to flood easily.

The city of Grove declared an emergency in response to the flooding, and later in the day, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced that Gila County would also be under an emergency declaration.

Three Lives Lost Amid Dangerous Flooding

Carl Melford from Gila County Emergency Management stated that three deaths have been confirmed from the floods. Fortunately, there are no reports of missing persons as rescue efforts are ongoing.

The floods prompted a state of emergency in Grove, which saw closures on the eastbound lane of US 60 due to hazardous conditions. The Arizona Department of Transportation has not provided a timeline for when the road will fully reopen.

A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service, as meteorologist Gabriel Rogero noted that an additional two inches of rain fell in certain areas, creating what he called a “devastating” situation. Grove Mayor Al Gameros reported that numerous vehicles had been destroyed and that search and rescue teams were busy responding to the crisis.

While Mayor Gameros could not provide an exact death toll at that time, he anticipated more information would be available later. The downtown area was deemed unsafe due to deteriorating buildings and potentially dangerous chemicals present, including propane tanks scattered by the flood.

Government Response to Flooding

Over 150 personnel were working on-site during the emergency meeting held by local officials. Crews evaluated hazardous materials associated with the flood, and approximately 1,000 propane tanks were lost during the event. Offers of assistance have come in from state officials as the community grapples with recovery.

Mayor Gameros expressed the need for collective effort, emotionally acknowledging the scale of recovery required. An emergency declaration was later passed by the city council to facilitate ongoing efforts, with shelters set up at local schools for displaced residents.

Continued Bad Weather Halts Search Efforts

The storm returned in the afternoon, prompting a halt to search and rescue operations for safety reasons. The National Weather Service maintained a flash flood warning as the conditions continue to pose risks to safety.

Efforts are underway to stabilize and clean flood-affected areas, but ongoing weather challenges are complicating those efforts. Residents concerned about the aftermath can reach out to a dedicated information line set up by the county.

Personal Accounts of the Destruction

Residents of Grove have shared their experiences of the devastation. Aurely Flores, a 60-year-old lifelong resident, described being stuck in traffic due to the storm’s aftermath. She remarked that the surrounding area was filled with mud and displaced vehicles, saying, “It was the biggest storm I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Another resident, James Mills, recounted how rapidly the situation escalated, leading to significant damage to his vehicle. Thankfully, he escaped physical harm.

Tragic Discovery Near Scottsdale

Meanwhile, in Metro Phoenix, a body was discovered in a flooded wash, linked to a taxi incident that occurred when the vehicle was overtaken by floodwaters. The identification of the victim, who had been reported missing, further emphasizes the storm’s tragic consequences.

This situation is still developing, and more updates are expected as the recovery and assessment processes continue.