Evacuations ordered as weekend storms pound Arizona

Key Points:

• On Nov. 1, heavy rainfall caused a sewer spill in Sedona's Oak Creek, releasing approximately 2,700 gallons of sewage due to overwhelmed pump station capacity; cleanup efforts are delayed due to flooding and safety concerns.
• The National Weather Service issued multiple flood and flash flood warnings across northern, central, and southern Arizona, including areas such as the Tonto Creek basin, Moenkopi Wash near Tuba City, and metro Phoenix, with ongoing evacuations and road closures.
• Significant flooding led to immediate evacuation orders in several communities including Gisela in Gila County, Camp Verde, and parts of Sedona, with emergency shelters established and residents urged to avoid flooded areas and follow safety instructions.
• Flooding disrupted transportation with multiple highway closures in northern Arizona, including Interstate 17 and State Routes 89A, 73, and 238, and caused delays and cancellations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport due to weather-related ground stops.
• Emergency services conducted numerous rescues, including a man trapped in a backyard sinkhole in Phoenix and multiple people trapped in vehicles in flooded washes, while authorities warned of life-threatening flash flooding and urged residents to stay informed and avoid hazardous areas.