Thunderstorms send floodwaters rushing through Arizona communities; residents flee homes

Floodwaters send Arizona residents scrambling

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Thunderstorms have sent floodwaters rushing through communities north of Flagstaff, Ariz., causing dozens of residents to flee from their homes.

The communities are particularly prone to the flooding after a wildfire last month burned 15,000 acres nearby.

Coconino County emergency officials on Tuesday afternoon sent word to 900 residents, urging them to seek higher ground. It is not immediately known how many residents evacuated their homes, however.

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.