The National Weather Service in Flagstaff issued a warning of potentially "deadly flooding" on Wednesday, Sept. 30, after excessive rainfall in Coconino and Navajo counties. The warning will run through 12:30 a.m.
The weather service warned of "deadly flooding over low-water crossings."
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What are weather service meteorologists saying?
At 4:33 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a statement:
NWS update for northern Arizona, AZ: Flood Warning:
WHAT: Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues.
WHERE: The Little Colorado River in, Coconino County in north central Arizona, Navajo County in north central Arizona,
WHEN: Until 12:30 a.m. MST /1:30 a.m. MDT/ Tonight.
IMPACTS: Flooding of the Little Colorado River is occurring. Further rises in the water levels are expected. Deadly flooding over
low-water crossings.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
- At 4:12 p.m. MST /5:12 p.m. MDT/, River gauge at Holbrook is above Flood Stage. Additional flooding expected downstream as elevated flow moves towards Winslow, and Bird Springs later this afternoon and evening.
- This includes the following creeks, washes and rivers, Little Colorado River. Flooding impacts will continue, but no additional rainfall is expected.
- Some locations that will experience flooding include: Winslow, Holbrook, Bird Springs, Hibbard, Manila, Joseph City, Sunrise, Leupp, and Jackrabbit.
- For Little Colorado at Joseph City: At 3:30pm MST /4:30pm MDT/ the stage was 5.74 feet. Flood Stage is 9 feet. Forecast: A crest of 6.24 feet is expected at 6pm MST /7pm MDT/ Wednesday. Impacts: At 7.5 feet: Potential downstream lowland overflow.
- For Little Colorado at Winslow: At 4pm MST /5pm MDT/ the stage was 18.12 feet. Flood Stage is 19 feet. Forecast: A crest of 19.14 feet is expected at 10pm MST /11pm MDT/ Wednesday. Impacts: At 17 feet: Downstream, the approaches to the bridge over the river on route 71 near Bird Springs will flood, and Leupp will be within 3 feet of flooding problems. 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. At 19 feet: Overflow on right bank. Water approaches Ames Acres and Bushman Acres on left bank in Winslow area. Erosion is likely on the levee on the left bank. Downstream, the approaches to the bridge over the river on route 71 near Bird Springs will flood and evacuations of homes near the intersection of route 2 and route 71 are conducted.
- For Little Colorado at Little Colorado River at Holbrook: At 3:30pm MST /4:30pm MDT/ the stage was 162 feet. Flood Stage is 15.5 feet. Forecast: A crest of 16.11 feet is expected at 5pm MST /6pm MDT/ Wednesday. Impacts: At 15.5 feet: Railroad bridge affected. Overflow on South Bank.
- This includes the following recreation areas and campgrounds, Homolovi State Park Campground, Hunt Park, McHood Park, Standin on the Corner Park, Sacred Heart Park and Winslow City Park. This includes the following swimming holes, Clear Creek Reservoir.
- 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: Northern Arizona gets warning for 'deadly flooding'
