Sedona residents wait hours on rooftops as floodwaters trap families in homes
Officials ordered immediate evacuations near Oak Creek after rain caused rapid rises, prompting helicopter rescues for stranded residents and their pets.
By Giulia Marshall ·
Rapidly rising water forced residents in Sedona to evacuate their homes on Sunday.
Officials issued an immediate order for people near Oak Creek to leave as floodwaters trapped individuals inside structures. Alexander Dale and his wife found themselves stuck on a property adjacent to the creek bed. Their residence and several short-term rentals they manage sat directly in the path of the rising water. Dale described the uncertainty of the moment, stating they could not move anywhere. The couple and approximately nine guests climbed onto the roof of the home. They waited for roughly three hours before a helicopter arrived to lift them to safety. A question arose about whether their dog could be included in the rescue. The pilot initially noted a lack of a specific harness for a dog. Dale solved the problem by using three harnesses available in the house, strapping them together to secure the animal. He was lifted out while holding the dog in his lap. Dale said he prayed the animal would stay still during the ascent.
Other residents faced similar difficulties leaving their properties. Cindy Wilmer, a schoolteacher living at Red Rock Crossing, evacuated with minimal belongings. She took only the clothes on her back, her school keys, and her cat. Wilmer described the water roaring down the street and expressed worry about the condition of her house. Fernando Leon also evacuated his home near Oak Creek. He feared the property might sustain total damage. Leon described opening his door to see the river and deciding to leave immediately. He noted the sadness of having to abandon personal items from one day to the next.
State resources joined local efforts to manage the crisis. Governor Katie Hobbs confirmed that state air rescue crews assisted with rooftop evacuations. State transportation crews worked to clear debris from affected areas. By Sunday afternoon, the heavy rains had largely stopped in the Sedona area. No injuries or deaths were reported at the time of the latest updates.
