It’s Thursday, July 15. Another round of afternoon showers and thunderstorms is in the forecast today after flood waters swept through parts of Flagstaff on Wednesday afternoon. More than an inch of rain fell onto the site of the 2019 Museum Fire, while surrounding areas received more than 2.5 in., according to Coconino County officials.
The National Weather Service issued Flash Flood Warnings yesterday for communities across northern Arizona — including Havasu Creek near the village of Supai, west Sedona, and Paulden. The alerts have since expired.
Flooding Update: County Still Assessing Impacts
Yesterday’s precipitation led to flooding in several Flagstaff neighborhoods and subsequent street closures including parts of Sixth and Cedar avenues. A shelter-in-place order went into effect Wednesday for Sunnyside, Mt. Elden Estates, Paradise and Grandview.
Flagstaff’s Mountain Line public Transit system says its building experienced a lightning strike Wednesday as thunderstorms passed through the city. No injuries were reported, though the transit company this morning says customer service will remain available via phone only. Additional area flooding prompted the public transit system to close several stops and detour routes amid road closures.
Flooding Update: What You Can Do
The county is directing residents to move debris toward the street so that county and city employees can collect and remove materials; it's also warning residents to stay away from floodwaters.
“I was born and raised here, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Kathy Lozania, who lives in Sunnyside.
“It was scary,” she added, before pointing out a mud-covered road divider that had floated into the street.
The county says it’s continuing to assess property damage. At least seven homes sustained some impact as of Wednesday morning, due to previous flooding on Tuesday.
Pre-filled sandbags are available again this morning at the County Health and Human Services building.
Navajo Police Search For Missing 35-Year-Old Woman
The Navajo Police Department is seeking information related to Shannon Torres, who went missing from Tonalea July 7 or 8 and was later seen this month in Tuba City in a grey-silver Honda Civic Sedan. Torres also uses the name Shannon Fowler; she’s 35, 5-foot-2 and 160 pounds. Authorities say she has dark brown hair with white streaks, brown eyes, and a tattoo of the letters “JT” on her chest. She was last seen wearing a black tank top and has not taken prescribed medication recently, according to the NPD. Those with relevant information can contact the NPD Tuba City District.
Crews Manage Fire Near Grand Canyon, Containment Improves On Others
Kaibab National Forest officials have reported an 80-acre lightning-caused fire about five miles northwest from Tusayan and five miles away from Grand Canyon National Park. More than 30 crew members are working the O’Connell Fire. The Bureau of Land Management reports personnel plan to let the fire burn to reduce fuels in the area, in hopes of preventing future area wildfires.
Orders for potential evacuation have been lifted for the community of Crown King, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. The nearby Tiger Fire remains at more than 16,000 acres and has reached 50% containment. Other fires in northern Arizona have sustained further containment, including the 95% contained Rafael Fire southwest of Flagstaff, and the 75% contained Cedar Basin Fire east of Wikieup.
Vaccine Clinics Continue As Variant Circulates In AZ
Another COVID-19 vaccine clinic is on tap tomorrow morning outside the coconino county courthouse; the Pfizer vaccine will be offered to those 12 and older, while the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson shots will be available for those 18 and older. A clinic is scheduled tomorrow evening at Heritage Square. The county was prompted to cancel a clinic Wednesday due to area rainfall. Cases of the delta variant have been confirmed in Coconino County; 52.6% of the population is now vaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is mapping a moderate level of community transmission in Coconino County, substantial transmission in Yavapai, Navajo and Apache counties, along with high transmission in Mohave County. No Arizona county is exhibiting low transmission.
