A flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Flagstaff at 5:14 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. This warning applies to Coconino and Navajo.
The National Weather Service warns: "Stay away or be swept away! The banks of creeks and washes are unstable and unsafe during any flooding event. Low water crossings will become dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route."
See weather radar for northern Arizona
What are weather service meteorologists saying?
At 5:14 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a statement:
"WHAT: Flooding along the Little Colorado River from earlier excessive rainfall continues.
WHERE: The Little Colorado River from Winslow to Leupp.
WHEN: Until midnight MST tonight /1 a.m. MDT Monday/.
IMPACTS: Flooding of the Little Colorado River is occurring near Birdsprings.
Deadly flooding over low-water crossings.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: - At 5:13 a.m. MST /6:13 a.m. MDT/, water levels have crested at Winslow and are expected to continue to fall today. However, downstream impacts will continue near Birdsprings through the remainder of the day. - For Little Colorado at Winslow: At 5am MST /6am MDT/ the stage was 17.93 feet. Flood Stage is 19 feet. Forecast: Water levels will continue to fall through the day, falling below action stage later this afternoon. Impacts: At 17 feet: Downstream, the approaches to the bridge over the river on Navajo Route 71 near Bird Springs will flood, and Leupp will be within 3 feet of flooding problems. The river will crest at Navajo Route 71 approximately 18 hours after the river crests at Winslow. Minor lowland overflow on right bank at Winslow. At 18 feet: Flow above this level for approximately 6 hours or more may cause erosion to the levee and eventual leakage or failure. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff."
Tips for staying safe during a flood warning in Arizona
- If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Do not walk through floodwater. Just 6 inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.
- Turn around, don't drown: Never attempt to drive through a flooded street; instead, turn around and find an alternative route. Just 12 inches of water can carry away smaller vehicles, and 2 feet can carry away SUVs and trucks. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.
- Watch out for fire hazards and move to higher ground.
- Pay attention to weather notifications and road closures.
- Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.
This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Flood warning issued for northern Arizona
