Evacuation orders in Sedona lifted after flooding in northern Arizona
Travel in parts of Northern Arizona has been advised against, a day after heavy rainfall swept through the state.
Here are the latest impacts from the rain.
Flood advisories and warnings
River flooding continued Thursday morning with an advisory, downgraded from an earlier warning, in effect until 11 a.m. This included Sedona, Red Rock State Park and Slide Rock State Park.
Flood warnings extended to Oak Creek at Cornville through 8 p.m. Thursday, Wet and Dry Beaver Creek and West Clear Creek through 11 a.m. Thursday, Verde River near Clarkdale through 2 p.m. Thursday and Verde River from Camp Verde to the East Verde River until 11 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
The weather service also said that unsettled weather would continue into next week with snow levels around 6,500 feet on Thursday morning. There were additional rain and snow chances on Sunday into the next week.
Evacuations in Sedona lifted
With Oak Creek levels lowering, the GO status issued Wednesday night to evacuate certain neighborhoods, has been lifted. Coconino County said all residents may return home and are reminded to be in ready status and watch for changing weather.
UPDATE: City of #Sedona lifts GO status, residents may return to homes in formerly evacuated areas.
SEDONA, Ariz. – With Oak Creek levels lowering, the GO status issued last night, March 15, 2023 to evacuate certain neighborhoods, has been lifted. All residents may return home… https://t.co/tVu15oEuJG— Coconino County (@CoconinoCounty) March 16, 2023
The areas evacuated included:
Trails End Road
Trails End Lane
Blackhawk Lane
Newcastle Lane
Oak Creek Mobilodge
Copper Cliffs Drive
Copper Cliffs Lane
Sycamore Road
The Villas at Poco Diablo Resort
Center for the New Age
Rancho Sedona RV park
Houses north of the Rancho Sedona RV park on Bear Wallow Lane
Road closures in the area
State Route 89A remained closed Thursday between Sedona and Flagstaff because of rocks on the highway.
SR 89A remains closed between Sedona and Flagstaff due to the rocks on the highway. https://t.co/F3my8A2SJK
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 16, 2023
Tonto National Forest issued an emergency closure for Needle Rock and Box Bar Recreation sites to protect public health and safety due to unsafe conditions as a result of flash flooding. The order will remain in effect until May 16 or until rescinded. National Forest System Road 20 (Needle Rock Road) remains open.
The #TontoNF issued an Emergency Closure for Needle Rock & Box Bar Rec sites to protect public health & safety due to unsafe conditions as a result of flash flooding. The order will remain in effect until 5/16/23, or until rescinded. NFS Road 20 (Needle Rock Rd) remains open. pic.twitter.com/tTtUJOidZR
— Tonto NF (@TontoForest) March 16, 2023
Old Stage Road Northbound at New River Road was closed due to flooding, the Maricopa County Department of Transportation said.
CLOSED: Old Stage Rd Northbound at New River Rd due to flooding. Turn around don't drown. #phxtraffic
— Maricopa County Department of Transportation (@MaricopaRoads) March 16, 2023
The department also listed the following roads closed due to flooding:
Tonopah Salome Highway Eastbound and Westbound between 327th Drive and 315th Avenue
Patton Road Eastbound and Westbound between 293rd Avenue and Douglas Ranch Road
Baseline Road Eastbound and Westbound between Johnson Road and 331st Avenue
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Evacuation orders in Sedona lifted after flooding in northern Arizona
