Authorities search for young girl after floodwaters rush through Flagstaff, Ariz., communities

Girl missing after flooding in Flagstaff, Ariz.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Northern Arizona authorities were searching for a young girl reported missing Tuesday after heavy thunderstorms sent floodwaters rushing through communities north of Flagstaff.

Coconino County Sheriff’s officials said the missing girl was around 11 or 12 years old, but her name was being withheld. It was not immediately clear how she was swept up by the floodwaters, which forced dozens of residents to flee their homes.

The communities were particularly prone to flooding after a wildfire last month burned 15,000 acres four miles north of Flagstaff.

The National Weather Service in Flagstaff had issued a small stream flood advisory for central Coconino County in north-central Arizona. Just after noon Tuesday, radar indicated very heavy rainfall over the advisory area.

Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall was expected to cause elevated water levels in small creeks, streams and normally dry washes.

Authorities shut down a portion of North Highway 89 because of the floodwaters as dozens of residents waited alongside the road for the water to recede. Others gathered in parking lots nearby.

Joan Piwetz said she arrived home and heard a loud roar. Minutes later, her home was surrounded by water at least 3 feet deep.

“It was the scariest thing to see a black, raging river,” she said.

Piwetz said she grabbed her purse and 4-year-old son, got in her car and got out safely. She left behind the family’s ducks and chickens, doubting they had much of a chance to survive. Piwetz said she honked at other motorists along the highway to warn them to turn back.

The 15,000-acre wildfire was started June 20 by a campfire that was abandoned without being properly extinguished.

Piwetz said she and her husband have lived in north Flagstaff for five years and just purchased flood insurance after the wildfire. Unfortunately, the policy doesn’t take effect until next month.