Two Men Found Dead After Floodwaters Sweep Through Flagstaff
Severe storms brought a second week of flooding to the Four Corners region, with deaths reported in northern Arizona.
Two men were found dead in Flagstaff, Arizona, after heavy rain and flash flooding swept through the city, according to local news reports and the Associated Press.
What happened
One of the men, a 73-year-old visitor from New York, was swept into fast-moving water near Malpais Lane and Clay Avenue, local station AZFamily reported. His body was later found some distance away.
A second man was found in a stormwater drainage area near North Highway 89 and Lynch Avenue, according to KTAR News. Preliminary findings suggested weather was a factor, but officials said the official cause and manner of death were still under investigation.
A second week of floods
The deaths came as the Four Corners region endured a second week of flooding, NPR reported. Storms over the Halloween weekend caused damage across Arizona, according to The Arizona Republic.
The AP reported that the risk of flooding remained high in parts of the Southwest, including northern Arizona and southern Colorado.
Why Flagstaff floods
Flagstaff sits at about 7,000 feet in elevation, surrounded by steep terrain. Areas burned by past wildfires can shed rainwater quickly, sending sudden surges into neighborhoods and drainage channels. Officials have spent years building flood controls after major fires near the city.
Safety guidance
Emergency managers repeat a simple message during flash flood events: do not walk or drive into moving water. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and about a foot can carry away many vehicles, according to the National Weather Service.
Cleanup underway
Crews in Flagstaff began clearing debris and assessing damage on Monday, AZFamily reported. Residents in affected areas were urged to follow city guidance and report damage.
Help for residents
City officials encouraged residents whose homes were damaged to document losses with photos for insurance and possible disaster assistance. Sandbag stations were opened in some areas, and officials asked drivers to avoid flooded roads and barricaded crossings while crews worked.
What to watch
Forecasters will be watching for additional storm systems. Further rain on already saturated ground could raise the risk of new flooding across the region.
How we reported this
This report is based on information confirmed by the Associated Press or by at least two major news organizations, as noted in the text. Claims that have not been independently verified are identified as such. BURN VOC will update this story as new information is released.
Reporting by the BURN VOC news desk. We publish facts confirmed by the Associated Press or multiple major news organizations, and we correct errors promptly. Our standards · About us
