A man lost his footing near fast-moving water in Flagstaff, fell in and never resurfaced, prompting an active search by police and fire crews. The incident happened near Malpais Lane and Clay Avenue as heavy rain sent waterways across northern Arizona surging over their banks.
Flagstaff police and fire officials are searching the area for the man, according to azfamily.com. The outlet reported he lost his footing near fast-moving water, fell in and never resurfaced. abc15.com pinpointed the location, reporting that it happened near Malpais Lane and Clay Avenue.
As first reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, emergency crews responded after the man fell into fast-moving water and have been conducting an active search of the area since. Crews have asked the public to stay away while the search continues.
Rivers and Creeks Surge Across Northern Arizona
The flooding that swept the man away was part of a broader deluge hitting the region. Heavy rain across northern Arizona caused rivers and creeks to swell dramatically over the weekend, per the station's report, with the Rio de Flag among the waterways affected. The same flooding closed roads in Flagstaff, Prescott and parts of the Verde Valley.
Flagstaff residents and visitors were advised to avoid travel due to the numerous road closures caused by flooding, according to a notice from the City of Flagstaff. Per FOX 10 Phoenix, the city urged residents to stay home and avoid travel because of the ongoing severe weather. City officials also warned that moving floodwater can knock an adult off their feet with as little as six inches, and residents were told to avoid walking, driving or playing in or near flowing water.
Evacuations Ordered Across the Region
The same storm system triggered emergency measures well beyond Flagstaff. FOX 10 Phoenix reported that Arizona officials issued mandatory evacuations for three zones along Oak Creek in Sedona after heavy rainfall triggered rapid flooding, and that officials issued flooding emergencies across Camp Verde on Sunday following the downpour. Go evacuation orders were also issued along the Verde River, West Clear Creek and Wet Beaver Creek, per the same report.
The scale of the rise on Oak Creek drew comparisons to historic flooding. The last time the creek flowed at this level was in 1993, when it severely damaged homes and crops in northern Arizona, according to kjzz.org. Forecasters warned the threat was not over: the National Weather Service said heavy to excessive rainfall would continue across portions of the Southwest and Four Corners region, with significant river flooding expected through Monday, per weather.gov.
How to Help or Get Updates
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111. Residents can monitor evolving weather conditions through the city's website at flagstaff.az.gov.
