Parts of Camp Verde remain evacuated while some in Yavapai County can return home

Published: Mar. 21, 2023 at 2:58 PM MST|Updated: Mar. 22, 2023 at 5:48 PM MST
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

RIMROCK, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — Wet weather has caused flooding and dangerous conditions across much of the state, and, as a result, multiple highways are closed, and some cities were ordered to evacuate in northern Arizona. But as the rain has stopped, some evacuations have been lifted. Around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said evacuees from Rimrock, Black Canyon City, Mayer and Prescott in the area of Granite Dells could go back home. People who live in the Armetta area of Camp Verde still can’t go home yet. The neighborhood is near the Verde River, which has flooded in certain parts.

Residents Rimrock and Lake Montezuma along Beaver Creek were told to leave Tuesday due to rain causing major flooding issues. The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at 395 S Main St. at the Camp Verde gym.

Around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, YCSO said Cornville residents living along Oak Creek, including Lo Lo Mai, Sunrise RV Resort and low-lying houses in other low Oak Creek estates, should consider evacuating to higher ground. Cornville Road will be closed at Windmill Park due to flooding. The sheriff’s office warns not to cross flooded areas.

YCSO has issued an evacuation for residents in Rimrock and Lake Montezuma along Beaver Creek.
YCSO has issued an evacuation for residents in Rimrock and Lake Montezuma along Beaver Creek.(Arizona's Family)

Heavy rain and floods continue to hit the state, also causing dangerous road conditions for the high country. The Arizona Department of Transportation says the following highways are closed due to weather and crashes.

Last Updated: 9:27 p.m. Wednesday
  • SR 89A in both directions between Sedona and Flagstaff (MP 375-398)
  • SR 377 between Heber-Overgaard and Holbrook (MP 1-33)
  • SR 74 between Lake Pleasant Parkway and I-17 (MP 21-30)

ADOT recommends postponing non-essential travel as today’s weather is also causing rocks and debris to fall onto highways. If travel is necessary, ADOT advises drivers to pack an emergency kit and be prepared to spend an extended amount of time in winter conditions.

The following areas in the Coconino National Forest are currently closed due to flooding:

  • All recreation sites in Oak Creek Canyon
  • Chavez Group Camp
  • Crescent Moon Day Use
  • Beaver Creek Day Use
  • V-V Day Use
  • Bruce Sprocket and Bell Trailheads
  • Lawrence Crossing Camping
  • Bull Pen Day Use

The Coconino National Forest is continuing to monitor other sites and advises people to use caution, stay home, and avoid roadways in an impacted area.

Massive flooding closes some areas of the Coconino National Forest.
Massive flooding closes some areas of the Coconino National Forest.(Arizona's Family)

In Maricopa County, flooding has resulted in the following closures:

  • Patton Road at 293rd Avenue near Wittmann
  • 19th Avenue between Desert Hills Drive and Irvine Drive
  • Desert Hills Drive between 19th and 15 avenues

Officials are urging people not to drive across flooded roads or crossings. For questions regarding flooding or evacuations, call (928) 442-5103.

Visit Arizona’s Family’s First Alert Weather page to stay up-to-date on the latest forecast.

Latest News

Latest News