Severe thunderstorms and flooding hit parts of central and northern Arizona this weekend, prompting evacuations for some residents southwest of Taylor near the Silver Creek Basin. They were allowed to return home today. The areas of Bushman Acres, Little Singer School, Indian Route 71 and Birdsprings near the Winslow Levee remain on READY status for potential evacuation if necessary.
In Yavapai County, fire officials have identified the 16-year-old girl who was swept away by floodwaters near Cottonwood. Faith Moore called 911 around 9:30 Saturday night after her car became stranded in flood water. During rescue attempts, her vehicle was swamped and she was swept downstream. Water levels rose about 8 feet overnight, according to fire officials. Authorities say some of Faith’s belongings have been found, but the teen has yet to be located. According to a Facebook post from the Verde Valley Fire District, Faith is the niece of a Cottonwood firefighter. The Fire District responded to at least 5 emergency search and rescues Saturday night, including a K-9 police dog from the Cottonwood Fire Department who was swept downstream, but managed to pull itself out of the water.
In southern, authorities have located the body of a 4-year-old girl swept away by flood waters after her family became stranded in a wash last Thursday. Authorities say the family climbed to the top of their vehicle, but rescuers were unable to locate the child when they arrived at the scene. A volunteer searcher spotted her early this morning.