Yavapai County Floods Force Rope Rescues and Emergency Status

Emergency responders in Yavapai County, Arizona, executed multiple water rescues on November 3 as high waters continued to impact communities downstream from northern Arizona.

In Cornville, law enforcement officers from the local sheriff's department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety secured rescue lines to trees to navigate strong currents. These teams waded and swam to reach individuals stranded inside inundated houses. After extracting one woman, crews discovered a second person remained inside the structure. Rescuers then utilized a kayak to transport the man to safety.

The American Red Cross established shelters across the county to distribute food and supplies to displaced citizens. David Leinweber, an American Red Cross volunteer, stated that the organization's facilities remained active for residents who could not evacuate earlier. He noted that most local shelters stayed at a Level 2 activation status, which limited the influx of displaced people. "Because ours never went past Level 2, we really didn't have folks that were fleeing to come here," Leinweber said. The organization did host one family from Ash Fork.

In Prescott, the city maintained its state of emergency designation despite experiencing less severe flooding than other county regions. Water levels along local streams and rivers remained elevated. Jim Bellington, owner of LazyG Brewhouse, monitored the rising water along Granite Creek. He reported that the creek crested well above its usual capacity, sending water over the banks and down Granite Street. "Yesterday I saw more water than I've ever seen over the last 20 years," Bellington said. He estimated the water level rose 6 to 7 feet higher than normal. Although the floodwaters did not enter his restaurant, long-time residents described the conditions as the highest levels seen in decades.

Officials indicated that Prescott avoided the worst impacts seen in other parts of Yavapai County. The emergency declaration remains in effect as water levels continue to recede. The Red Cross confirmed that shelters will remain open to assist those still unable to access their homes. No official death toll or damage estimate was released in the initial reports from the county and city officials.