A flood warning for Oak Creek in Sedona was downgraded to an advisory Thursday, hours after some residents were told to prepare for evacuations.
⚠️ River Flood Advisory ⚠️ in effect until 11:00 AM MST for Oak Creek through Sedona. The flood warning is no longer in effect.
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) March 16, 2023
This includes Sedona, Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park. More info: https://t.co/eVImH990HY. #azwx pic.twitter.com/SZiPT8IqwH
The City of Sedona said in a statement around 6 p.m. Wednesday that a dozen areas including the Rancho Sedona RV park and the Center for the New Age were in “go” status, meaning they should evacuate immediately.
A shelter for the area was set up at the gym of Camp Verde Middle School as a precaution.
Reminder: State Route 89A remains closed in both directions between mileposts 375-398 due to rocks on the roadway.
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 16, 2023
There is no estimated time to reopen the highway. pic.twitter.com/SkWy4ADTC5
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff said only minor to moderate flooding was expected Thursday along Oak Creek, Wet Beaver Creek, the Verde River, and the Little Colorado River.
Periods of heavy rain and snow melt through Thursday will lead to rises on area waterways, leading to the potential for flooding in some areas.
— NWS Flagstaff (@NWSFlagstaff) March 14, 2023
A Flood Watch is in effect for Wednesday morning into Thursday morning for portions of central Arizona. #azwx pic.twitter.com/pzvFsMD040
The weather agency said that because of snowmelt at higher elevations and rain, minor to moderate flooding was forecast along Oak Creek affecting access roads, buildings and residences.
The creek was nearing a flood stage level of 14 feet Wednesday evening, but weather officials said water had receded to about 9 feet by 4 a.m. Thursday.
