Key facts
- Alert
- Flash Flood Warning (severe)
- Issued by
- National Weather Service, Flagstaff AZ
- Areas
- Yavapai, AZ
- Places
- Lake Montezuma, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Montezuma Well, Lawrence Crossing
- In effect
- until 12:00 AM MST, Oct 23, 2026
- Damage threat
- Considerable
- Detection
- Observed
What the National Weather Service says
“Flash flooding is ongoing.”
NWS Flagstaff AZ, Flash Flood Warning, 7:32 PM MST Oct 22, 2026 · official alert
“Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, normally dry washes, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.”
NWS Flagstaff AZ, Flash Flood Warning, 7:32 PM MST Oct 22, 2026 · official alert
“Flooding of washes and creeks will occur, some dirt roads will become muddy and impassable.”
NWS Flagstaff AZ, Flash Flood Warning, 7:32 PM MST Oct 22, 2026 · official alert
What to do
Stay away from creeks, washes and low-lying areas in the warned area. The National Weather Service says paved roads and underpasses could flood as well, and some dirt roads will become muddy and impassable.
If you are near Wet Beaver Creek, Beaver Creek or the Verde River, including campgrounds and swimming holes, move to higher ground now.
Never drive around barricades or into flooded roads. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Turn around instead.
Check for updates from the National Weather Service in Flagstaff until the warning ends at 7:45 PM MST.
Context
FEMA flood-insurance records list 470 claims in Yavapai County between 1978 and 2026, as of September 9, 2026. These counts cover only insured properties, so they likely understate how often flooding has caused losses.
FEMA declared a disaster for severe winter storms and flooding in the county on March 18, 2010 (declaration 1888).
Updates
- The flash flood warning expired at 12:00 AM MST.
- The National Weather Service extended the flash flood warning until 12:00 AM MST.
- NWS Flagstaff AZ issued the flash flood warning until 7:45 PM MST.
History here
Yavapai County: 470 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1978, most recent 2026.
Yavapai County: recent federal disaster declarations
- DR-1888 (2010): severe winter storms and flooding
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Questions
- Is there a flash flood warning in Yavapai County, Arizona?
- Yes. The National Weather Service in Flagstaff issued a Flash Flood Warning at 1:42 PM MST on Thursday, October 22, 2026, for Yavapai County. It remains in effect until 7:45 PM MST.
- Which places are affected by the Yavapai County flash flood warning?
- The National Weather Service lists Lake Montezuma, Montezuma Castle National Monument, Montezuma Well, Lawrence Crossing, Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site, Bell Crossing/The Crack and Wet Beaver Wilderness. It also names Wet Beaver Creek Campground and the Verde River.
- What caused the flash flooding near Wet Beaver Creek?
- Repeated heavy rainfall from thunderstorms caused a nearly 4 foot rise in Wet Beaver Creek. The National Weather Service says radar indicated the thunderstorms and flash flooding is ongoing.
Sources
- NWS Flagstaff AZ: Flash Flood Warning, Oct 22, 2026 weather.gov
- FEMA OpenFEMA: NFIP claims and disaster declarations fema.gov
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