PHOENIX, AZ — A flood warning was issued Saturday morning for parts of Maricopa County as water levels rose on several rivers in the metro Phoenix area. The National Weather Service said flooding was already occurring, with impacts reported on the Verde River, the Salt River and the Gila River.
The warning came just after 7:20 a.m. on Nov. 7 and covers different end times depending on the river and location. Meteorologists said some recreation areas, low-water crossings and river-adjacent roads could become unsafe, especially where dam releases and heavy upstream flow are adding to the problem.
Officials urged people to avoid flooded roads and to keep away from streams and creeks. The weather service also emphasized that most flood deaths happen in vehicles, making caution especially important for drivers in the affected area.
Verde River flooding near Fort McDowell remains a major concern
One warning focused on the Verde River between Fort McDowell and the Salt River confluence, where flooding was described as ongoing. The weather service said recreation on or near the river would be unsafe while water levels remained elevated.
At 10:25 a.m. MST, a streamflow gauge near the Salt River confluence measured a flow near or above 2,000 cubic feet per second. That reading helped confirm the seriousness of the situation along the river corridor.
The agency said some of the locations that could be affected include Fort McDowell and recreational areas downstream toward the confluence with the Salt River. The warning for this stretch was set to last until 11 p.m. MST Sunday.
Salt River flooding tied to Bartlett Dam releases and high flows
A separate warning covered the Salt River, where flooding was linked to upstream dam releases. The National Weather Service said an upstream floodgate release at Bartlett Dam was continuing to drive rising water in the warned area.
At 10:20 a.m. MST, officials said the release was still causing flooding and that recreation on or near the Salt River would be unsafe. The same update noted that a gauge near the Verde River confluence showed flow near or above 2,000 cubic feet per second.
The warning specifically mentioned recreational areas along the river around and downstream of the Verde and Salt River confluence. This advisory was also set to remain in effect until 11 p.m. MST Sunday.
Gila River and low-lying areas face flooding through Monday morning
A third warning extended later than the others, lasting until 2 a.m. MST Monday. It said flooding caused by upstream dam releases was continuing in parts of Maricopa County, including the Gila River corridor and nearby low-lying flood-prone spots.
At 7:21 a.m. MST, releases from Tempe Town Lake and Granite Reef Dam farther upstream had already led to flooding. A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gauge on the Gila River near Old US 80 showed flow around 1,900 cubic feet per second.
Officials also said Painted Rock Lake’s pool elevation was about 571 feet. Flooding was expected in areas including Goodyear, Painted Rock Dam, Liberty, Phoenix International Raceway and Arlington.
Low-water crossings and river roads could become impassable
The weather service warned that low-water crossings were inundated and may not be passable. In the Salt River area, that included crossings upstream of Tempe Town Lake, with McKellips Road specifically named in the warning.
Dam operators reported around 1,400 cubic feet per second being released from Granite Reef Dam at 7:17 a.m., and a downstream gauge measured flow around 2,000 cubic feet per second. Officials said flooding tied to the release would continue.
The warning said the Salt River between Granite Reef Dam and Tempe Town Lake could stay dangerous for travel and recreation. People were told to expect changing conditions and to watch for road closures in flood-prone spots.
Safety guidance stresses avoiding cars, water and creek beds
Along with the warning, the National Weather Service repeated basic flood safety advice for Arizona residents and visitors. The agency said anyone told to evacuate should do so immediately.
It also warned against walking through floodwater. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, while 12 inches can carry away smaller vehicles and 2 feet can sweep away SUVs and trucks.
Officials urged drivers to turn around rather than try to cross flooded streets. They also told campers and hikers to stay away from streams and creeks, noting that fast water can hide rocks, trees and other debris.
What forecasters say to watch as rain and releases continue
The National Weather Service said the flooding was being driven by excessive rainfall and upstream dam releases. That combination kept water levels elevated across multiple river systems in south-central Arizona.
Because the warnings carry different expiration times, some areas could improve sooner than others. But forecasters said flooding was already occurring at the time of the alert and could continue to affect recreation areas, crossings and low-lying land into Sunday night and early Monday.
Residents were advised to pay close attention to weather notifications and road closures. The main message from forecasters was simple: avoid floodwater, stay away from riverbanks and do not assume a crossing is safe just because it looks shallow.