Gov. Hobbs declares state of emergency following weekend storms in Arizona

PHOENIX - Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced on Nov. 2 that a state of emergency has been declared statewide.

Big picture view:

Per a statement, the declaration was made in order to "support response and recovery efforts following intense thunderstorms, high winds, and severe flash flooding across Arizona."

"The announcement immediately unlocks $200,000 in emergency funding for local communities," read a portion of Gov. Hobbs' statement.

What She Said:

"The safety and security of every Arizonan is my top priority," Gov. Hobbs wrote. "I am issuing this emergency declaration to ensure our local authorities have the resources they need to clear roads, repair infrastructure, and help displaced residents. We will continue working directly with local emergency managers to rebuild and recover from this disaster."

Local perspective:

Storms over the weekend have impacted various Arizona communities, with flooding in Sedona triggering evacuation for some residents.

In a post shared on the city's Facebook, officials added: "Do not cross when there is running water on the road! Oak creek is rising fast - risk of sudden flooding! Please pay attention and stay away from the beds and drain cleansing. Do not cross when there is running water on the road!"

Heavy rain also caused evacuations in the Camp Verde area.

Maricopa Co. impacts:

Maricopa County wants to be added to the state’s emergency declaration, Board of Supervisors Chair Kate Brophy McGee said hours after the statewide order was issued.

The county declared a local emergency for unincorporated areas following a three-day storm that dropped heavy rain from Oct. 30 through Nov. 1.

"The local Emergency Declaration supports the County's continued coordination of resources and response efforts to protect residents and address storm-related impacts. Additionally, the County requests that the State of Arizona include Maricopa County within the scope of the State’s Emergency Declaration, issued this afternoon," a news release said.

"There are communities and residents that are hurting"

"A series of storms over the past 72 hours brought torrential rain and strong wind to large portions of Maricopa County," said Chair Brophy McGee, District 3. "There are communities and residents that are hurting, and I am hopeful this Emergency Declaration will help facilitate necessary resources for assistance. I thank Maricopa County 1st responders for their continued efforts, as well as people who throughout the storm and in its aftermath have been assisting their neighbors in need."

Rainfall across the Valley ranged from 1 to 4 inches, while higher-elevation foothills in northern and eastern Maricopa County received up to 8 inches.

The county's declaration remains active until 6 a.m. on Nov. 6.

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