A feasibility study done by the City of Flagstaff after flooding tore through neighborhoods in the Museum Fire burn scar is expected to be done early next month.
Credit istock.com
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for many areas, including Flagstaff, Jerome, Prescott and Coconino County. County officials called for a Shelter in Place order for the Mt. Elden Estates area, which is directly below the Museum Fire Burn Scar. Heavy rainfall was recorded on the west side of Flagstaff in the University Heights area where a city rain gauge recorded nearly an inch of rainfall in 15 minutes. A National Weather Service map shows a Flash Flood Watch from Kingman, south to the U.S.-Mexico border, and east to the Arizona-New Mexico state line. NWS says it will remain in effect until 11 p.m. Saturday.
Yavapai County has downgraded to Stage I Fire Restrictions as monsoon moisture lessens the risk of wildfires. National Forests across the region, including the Coconino, Kaibab and Apache Sitgreaves, have all lifted fire restrictions due to recent rainfall. The city of Flagstaff and Coconino County have also dialed down to Stage II Fire Restrictions. However, flooding remains a risk in the area of the Museum Fire Burn Scar. Flagstaff city officials estimate more than 2.5 million dollars in damage was done to public infrastructure by last week’s flash flooding in neighborhoods below the scar, and more than 1 million dollars’ worth of damage to private property.