Flash flood warning issued for Coconino County

Staff reports
Updated ·2 min read

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Coconino County and Yavapai County starting at 3:18 p.m. June 28. The warning expires at 6:30 p.m. June 28.

Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms are producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain fell earlier as observed by a rain gauge and radar estimates. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Heavy rain-producing storms are currently moving across Oak Creek Canyon just south of the warned area, so the weather service warns it would be best to continue monitoring the situation. Life-threatening flash flooding of low-water crossings, creeks, normally dry washes and roads is possible.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Pine Flats, East Pocket Lookout Tower, Edge of the World, West Fork of Oak Creek and Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness.

This includes the following recreation areas and campgrounds: Pine Flat Campground, Cave Springs Campground and Pine Flat Campground.

This includes the following highways: Interstate 17 between mile markers 325 and 328; State Route 89A between mile markers 383 and 387.

This includes the following creeks, washes and rivers: Oak Creek, West Fork Oak Creek and Dry Creek.

For the latest watches and warnings, see our weather alert page.

Tips for flood weather

Coconino County officials offered the following tips for residents to prepare for approaching storms and potential flooding threats.

  • Protect your property from floodwaters and purchase flood insurance.

  • Plan for sheltering where you are and for evacuation.

  • Evacuate if advised.

  • Seek high ground (for flash floods) or stay on high ground.

  • Avoid walking or driving in floodwaters. Depth and velocity of the water are not always obvious; the ground or road may suddenly wash away and hidden dangers may exist; do not attempt to evacuate through floodwaters.

  • Know how to avoid injury from debris, contaminated water, carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution, and damaged buildings and infrastructure.

  • Seek professional review or inspection of structures and utilities before entering buildings that are flooded.

This article was generated by The Arizona Republic and USA TODAY Network using data released by the National Weather Service. It was edited by a staff member.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Flash flood warning issued for Coconino County