Evacuation orders have been issued in Camp Verde, Arizona, after heavy rain caused severe flooding along the Verde River, West Clear Creek and Wet Beaver Creek.
Residents in affected areas have been placed under emergency “GO” status and told to leave immediately for higher ground. A temporary shelter has opened at the Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Gym on Main Street.
The National Weather Service said between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain had fallen across parts of Yavapai and Gila counties by Sunday morning, with life-threatening flash flooding reported in creeks, washes, roads and underpasses. ([weather.gov](https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=Flash+Flood+Warning&utm_source=openai))
Forecasters warned that the Verde River near Camp Verde could rise above its 17ft flood stage, with a crest of almost 19.6ft expected late on Sunday. At that level, flooding could affect properties and homes in the Horseshoe Bend area and downstream towards Beasley Flat. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=AZZ108&lat=34.5445&local_place1=Prescott+AZ&lon=-112.4538&product1=Flood+Watch&warncounty=AZC025&warnzone=AZZ008&utm_source=openai))
Officials have urged residents to follow instructions from emergency workers, use designated evacuation routes and obey road closures and barricades. They have warned people not to drive or walk through floodwater, or attempt to cross flooded low-water crossings.
Those leaving have been advised to take essential medication, family members and pets. Residents can use the Genasys Protect app to identify their evacuation zone, although the Camp Verde Marshal’s Office said it should be treated as an additional source of information rather than a replacement for official public safety announcements.
Sandbags are available at Fain & Nichols, the Camp Verde Water Company and the Yavapai County Complex. Officials said further rain and rising water levels were expected across the Verde Valley.
Firebird Towing has offered vehicle-removal assistance to people stranded by the flooding, according to the Marshal’s Office.
The National Weather Service’s flood watch for northern and central Arizona was due to remain in place through late Sunday night, with additional rain possible on already saturated ground. River and stream flows across the Verde Valley are expected to increase over the coming days. ([forecast.weather.gov](https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=AZZ108&lat=34.5445&local_place1=Prescott+AZ&lon=-112.4538&product1=Flood+Watch&warncounty=AZC025&warnzone=AZZ008&utm_source=openai))
