Forecasts call for wet weather, cite possibility of flooding

Forecasters predict wet weather across Arizona into Friday with heavy rainfall that could produce runoff flows into mountain creeks and streams and the possibility of flash flooding in desert areas.

Heavy rains and snowmelt in the mountains could heighten risk of flooding along Oak Creek and the Verde River in Cottonwood, according to the National Weather Service.

Heavy rainfall is forecasted to start Thursday morning until Friday morning.

Water levels are expected to rise around 11 feet on Oak Creek, according to NWS. These levels are analogous to the flooding levels on Feb. 2 and 3, according to a Brian Klimowski, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

“The snow may or may not melt at the higher elevation,” he said. “These are a high-end scenario.”

A flood watch issued by the National Weather Service for parts of south-central Arizona says normally dry creeks and rivers could be running and that there's a possibility of flooding in communities such as Cave Creek and New River on the northern outskirts of metro Phoenix.

A flash flood watch was issued for northwestern Arizona, and showers are expected across southern Arizona.

Kelcie Grega from the Verde Independent contributed to this story.