The National Weather Service said a period of heavy rainfall and thaw Wednesday through Thursday could lead to uplift in regional waterways, causing mild to moderate flooding in some areas along Oak Creek and Wetbeaver Creek. I am reporting.
The current forecast provided by NWS gives a 90% chance of rain on Wednesday, including heavy rain. Gusts of wind, cooler temperatures and Thursday morning fog are also forecast.
Rain is expected in Verde Valley all day and night Wednesday, with storms bringing heavy rainfall. The minimum temperature will be around 40 degrees. There’s a 30% chance of showers Thursday morning, with a chance of fog between 5am and 9am. Temperatures are expected to be around 60 degrees.
Since the winter storm event began, the Yavapai County Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Operations Center has worked to mitigate potential flooding issues and coordinate with local public safety officials to support countywide needs. We work for essential personnel.
Oak Creek and Wet Beaver Creek are expected to pass the flood stage around 3 a.m. Thursday, with Cornville and Rimrock likely to experience the most severe flooding, according to Emergency Management.
Near Sedona, water levels will reach the terraces near the Tlaquepaque Bridge and some residential and commercial properties near the Tlaquepaque Bridge. Near Cornville, major flooding is expected at his RV park near Page Springs Road.
Water near Rimrock can affect above-ground dwellings along Rimrock Drive and Beaver Vista. Some parts of the Verde River may experience increased flow and approach the flood stage.
YCOEM said the water level will not reach the level of the 1993 flood. However, in some areas he will be closer to the 2019 flood event.
The water is rapidly flowing and dangerously cold due to thaw and runoff. Residents should avoid all waterways. Localized flooding is expected on streets, which could increase pothole activity. The appropriate public works department will continue to address any issues that arise. Do not drive on flooded roads, washing places or intersections with low water levels. Obey all traffic signs, diversion signs and road block signs. Turn around and don’t drown.
YCOEM encourages the following preparations:
• Create a family plan and have emergency numbers available.
• Assemble an emergency kit with food, water and other supplies for at least 72 hours. In addition, include essential medicines and life-saving medical devices. For a complete list, please visit: www.ready.gov/kit
• Assemble your go bag in case you need to evacuate. Remember the 5 P’s: people/pets, personal effects, important documents, prescriptions and valuables.
• Sign up for your local emergency call system, including alertYAVAPAI, at www.ycsoaz.gov/ENS and stay up-to-date according to reputable and reliable sources.
• If applicable, consider moving your vehicle to higher ground to avoid flood damage.
YCOEM will work with the American Red Cross to set up evacuation centers or shelters if evacuation becomes necessary.
Punching bags are available at various locations. Use is on a first-come, first-served basis. See his website at YCOEM for a list of sandbag locations. https://yavapaiaz.gov/publicworks/emergency-managementExpect to ship with sandbags full. Please bring me a shovel.
For the rest of the week, the weather forecast for Friday calls for mostly clear skies on St. Patrick’s Day with highs around 62°C, followed by mostly cloudy nights with lows around 39°C.
On Saturday, there’s a 20% chance of precipitation for partly sunny days, with highs nearing 62 degrees again. Rain is still possible into the evening as lows drop to around 41 degrees.
The chance of rain on Sunday is 40% during the day and 20% at night. Also, the chance of rain on Monday is 20%.
