Yavapai County floods force water rescues and business closures

Water levels in Yavapai County reached their highest points in decades on Nov. 3, forcing business owners to monitor rising creeks and emergency responders to execute multiple water rescues. Although floodwaters began to recede, elevated levels continued to threaten communities near local streams and rivers.

In Cornville, deputies from the Arizona Department of Public Safety worked through strong currents to reach individuals stranded inside flooded homes. Crews secured ropes to trees and used them to wade and swim toward residents. After saving one woman, responders discovered a second person remained inside the same house. They returned to the location and used a kayak to transport the man to safety.

Prescott remained under a state of emergency as officials monitored local waterways. Business owners along Granite Creek watched as the water overflowed its banks and moved onto nearby streets. Jim Bellington, owner of LazyG Brewhouse, reported seeing more water on Nov. 2 than in the previous 20 years. He estimated the creek was running six to seven feet above its normal level.

Bellington noted that while water extended into the roadway near his restaurant, it did not enter the building. Long-time residents in the area reported similar conditions, stating they had not seen local waterways reach such levels in decades.

The American Red Cross opened shelters across the county to provide meals and resources to displaced residents. David Leinweber, a shelter volunteer, stated that his location had not exceeded Level 2 status and had not seen a large influx of people fleeing the area. However, a family from Ash Fork did spend time at the shelter.

Leinweber confirmed that shelters would remain open to assist residents who still needed support as the waters receded. This included individuals who had been unable to leave their homes earlier in the event.

The flooding resulted from runoff moving south from northern Arizona. Despite the receding waters, officials maintained that elevated levels continued to pose risks to communities situated near Yavapai County's creeks, streams, and rivers.