Preparing for Hurricane Priscilla’s Arrival in Yavapai County

Yavapai County Residents Warned of Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding

The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management (YCOEM) has issued a warning to local residents about the likelihood of heavy rain starting Thursday, October 9, 2025. This is due to tropical moisture from Hurricane Priscilla moving into Arizona.

Flash Flooding Threat

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Flagstaff has indicated that the primary danger for Yavapai County is flash flooding, particularly from late Friday, October 10, 2025, through Saturday, October 11, 2025. Ashley Ahlquist, YCOEM’s emergency manager, mentioned that even though Hurricane Priscilla is losing strength to the southwest, it is still bringing a substantial amount of moisture into the state. Widespread rain and thunderstorms are forecasted, which could lead to hazardous and swiftly moving floods.

Ahlquist emphasized the need for residents—especially those living near washes, streams, or areas affected by recent wildfires—to get prepared as soon as possible. The risky weather is expected to start Thursday and continue throughout the weekend, with the most concerning period from late Friday into Saturday. The NWS has updated its outlook for excessive rainfall on Friday to a “mild risk,” affecting northern and central Arizona. However, pinpointing the exact locations for the worst rain remains uncertain, thereby maintaining the potential for flash floods across the county.

Areas that have experienced fires before are especially at risk for debris flows and flash floods, as the burn scars significantly hinder water absorption by the ground. Residents in these regions should be ready to evacuate immediately if a warning is issued.

Long-lasting Weather Conditions

This weather event is expected to linger, bringing cooler, wetter conditions into early next week, which could further saturate the ground and heighten the flooding risk.

Given the anticipated widespread rain and chance of flash flooding, YCOEM is urging residents to take necessary precautions. Remember, “Roll, don’t drown”—avoid driving, walking, or biking through flooded areas or water-covered roads. Surprisingly, over 60% of flood-related deaths happen within vehicles, and it only takes a small amount of water to sweep someone away.

Residents should also consider cleaning drainage channels on their properties, placing sandbags in flood-prone spots, and reviewing their flood insurance. A list of sandbag locations can be found at: www.YavapaiReady.gov/sandbags.

In addition, it’s advisable for residents to charge devices, assemble emergency kits, and maintain a three-day supply of essentials—like food, water, and medication—as power outages might occur due to severe winds or heavy rain.

Staying Informed is Key

It’s crucial to stay updated on local forecasts and sign up for emergency notification systems to receive alerts via phone, text, or email. More information can be found at: www.YavapaiReady.gov/alerts.