Record flooding in Verde Valley - roads closed and park trails flooded
The Verde Valley is battling record flooding caused by the Verde River and Oak Creek bursting their banks. Water levels have risen nearly 25 feet in Camp Verde and nearly 24 feet in Clarkdale. Emergency services have evacuated more than 60 residents and their pets from their homes, and Yavapai County has officially declared a state of emergency to mobilize additional resources.
The storm caused numerous transportation and recreation restrictions. Riverfront Park was completely closed to visitors, with all of its walking trails and recreation areas closed. At Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Owl and Flycatcher roads were closed, and the Verde River, Arroyo Nature, Forest Loop, River Loop, Hickey Ditch, Jail and Black Hawk trails were completely inaccessible due to flooding.
Traffic in the region is also severely disrupted. The Montezuma Castle Highway between Hauser Farms and Camp Lincoln Road is closed, as is a section of SR 89A from Sedona to Kachina Village. Authorities have also warned of the potential contamination of drinking water wells in the floodplain.
Source: Flooding aftermath: Updates on closures, drinking water, state of emergency - The Verde Independent
Context
During the sudden disaster, the local nonprofit Verde Valley Fairgrounds opened its stables and grounds to temporarily house evacuees, horses, and livestock, providing free camping for those affected.