Key facts
- Alert
- Flash Flood Warning (severe)
- Issued by
- National Weather Service, Flagstaff AZ
- Areas
- Gila, AZ; Yavapai, AZ
- Places
- Mainly rural areas of Gila, Yavapai Counties
- In effect
- until 12:00 AM MST, Oct 23, 2026
- Damage threat
- Considerable
What the National Weather Service says
“Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams.”
NWS Flagstaff AZ, Flash Flood Warning, 7:19 PM MST Oct 22, 2026 · official alert
“Portions of Fossil Creek closer to the Verde River are still running high.”
NWS Flagstaff AZ, Flash Flood Warning, 7:19 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, 7:19 PM MST Oct 22, 2026 · official alert
What to do
Stay away from Fossil Creek, Hardscrabble Creek, the Verde River and nearby washes until the warning ends. Water can stay high in lower stretches even after upstream levels begin to fall.
Do not drive into flooded roads or around barricades. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and 1 foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Dirt roads in the area may become muddy and impassable.
If you are in a low-lying area or near a creek or wash, move to higher ground. Check the National Weather Service for updates, as warnings can be extended or cancelled.
Context
FEMA flood-insurance records show 155 claims in Gila County (1980 to 2025) and 470 in Yavapai County (1978 to 2026). These counts cover only insured properties, so they understate total flood damage.
Both counties were included in a 2010 federal disaster declaration for severe winter storms and flooding. Gila County also had a 2006 declaration for severe storms and flooding.
Updates
- The flash flood warning expired at 12:00 AM MST.
- NWS Flagstaff AZ issued the flash flood warning until 12:00 AM MST.
History here
Gila County: 155 flood insurance claims in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program records since 1980, most recent 2025.
Gila County: recent federal disaster declarations
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 Gila and Yavapai Counties, Arizona?
- Yes. The National Weather Service in Flagstaff extended a Flash Flood Warning for both counties until 12:00 AM MST on October 23.
- Which creeks and rivers are affected by the flash flood warning?
- The National Weather Service lists Hardscrabble Creek, the Verde River and Fossil Creek. Fossil Creek is receding in its upper portions but still running high closer to the Verde River.
- How serious is this flash flood warning?
- The National Weather Service rates it Severe and describes life-threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams. The damage threat is listed as considerable.
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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