Arizona highway closures: Flooding shuts down major routes now

Heavy rain and flooding disrupted travel across Arizona on Sunday, Nov. 1, including routes used by Tucson residents heading toward Phoenix, northern Arizona and the state’s mountain communities. Pima County deputies carried out 16 river rescues as flooding affected southern Arizona, while roads elsewhere were closed because of rising water, rockfall and dangerous driving conditions. State officials urged motorists to postpone trips through affected areas, and there was no estimated reopening time for several highways.

The Arizona Department of Transportation initially reported closures on Interstate 17 in both directions. Northbound I 17 was closed at State Route 179, while southbound traffic was stopped near Flagstaff Airport at milepost 337. Later, ADOT reopened I 17 in both directions after severe rainfall and flooding. The changing conditions mean travelers should check for updates immediately before leaving rather than relying on an earlier route plan.

Three major state highways remained closed. State Route 89A was shut between Sedona and Kachina Village, from milepost 375 to milepost 397. State Route 73 was closed between Indian Pine and White River, from milepost 357 to milepost 351. State Route 238 was also closed between Maricopa and Gila Bend, a route that can affect travel between the Phoenix area and communities to the west and south. ADOT crews were dealing with significant rainfall as well as rockfall across northern Arizona.

The closures were part of a broader emergency response that included evacuations in several communities. In Sedona, rising water along Oak Creek prompted authorities to evacuate homes and conduct rescues. The city issued mass evacuation orders at 7:45 a.m. for Zones 8, 9 and 10, directing residents to Sedona Red Rock High School. Deputies from Yavapai County helped residents leave threatened homes, while video from the Sedona Fire Department showed vehicles caught in floodwater and water reaching close to the entrances of some houses.

Sedona officials warned people to stay away from creek beds and washes and not to cross roads where water was moving quickly. The fire department requested additional personnel because of the number of rescue operations underway. The flood risk had been flagged in advance, with the National Weather Service office in Flagstaff warning on Oct. 31 that overnight flooding was possible. At 5:37 a.m. Sunday, the weather service issued a flood warning as excessive rainfall continued or was expected.

Evacuation warnings also spread through central Arizona. Residents near the Verde River, West Clear Creek and Wet Beaver Creek in Camp Verde were told to leave immediately. The Camp Verde Parks and Recreation Gym, near Main and Hollamon streets, was opened as a temporary shelter. In northern Gila County, officials asked residents to evacuate, including everyone in the community of Gisela. Plans were underway for an emergency shelter in Payson, while the Gisela Community Center remained available to Gisela residents. Tonto Basin residents with a “go” status were directed to Tonto Basin Elementary School.

Clarkdale officials asked people living near the river on Siesta, River Drive, Rincon, Rio and the Farm at Bent River to prepare to evacuate. A shelter was established at the Town Hall Clubhouse near Main and Ninth streets. Flooding also closed the Tuzigoot River Access Point and Lower TAPCO River Access Point. Officials urged residents to be especially careful around flooded areas and not to attempt to drive through water covering roadways.

The National Weather Service maintained a Flood Watch for central and northern Arizona through Sunday evening, with more rain expected. Flooding was also reported in the Phoenix area, including Eldorado Park in Scottsdale, showing that the storm’s effects extended beyond northern mountain and river communities. For Tucson residents, the Pima County rescues underscored that the danger was not limited to distant highways. Fast moving water can make familiar roads, washes and river crossings hazardous with little warning.

State and local officials repeated that motorists should never drive into flooded roads or washes. Even a few inches of moving water can push a vehicle off the road or sweep it away. Anyone trapped by rising water or facing an immediate emergency was told to call 911. Before traveling, drivers can check conditions through the AZ511 website, the AZ511 mobile app or by dialing 511. Because closures and reopenings changed during the storm, travelers should confirm the status of every major route and be prepared for delays or cancellation.