Local
Clifton clears storm debris as another round of flooding threatens
Flash flooding and rockslides damaged vehicles, homes and infrastructure in Clifton after heavy storms Tuesday night. With more storms possible Thursday, officials have made sand available at four locations and the area remains under a flood watch until 10 p.m.
CLIFTON, Ariz. — Crews cleared mud from roads and underpasses in Clifton after heavy storms Tuesday night sent floodwaters and rockslides through the historic mining town along Arizona’s eastern border.
The flooding damaged vehicles, homes and infrastructure in the community on the San Francisco River. Images shared Wednesday by Greenlee County Sheriff Eric Ellison showed a car partly buried by floodwater and a Jeep covered in mud, rocks and debris. Sheriff’s office photos also showed crews working overnight to remove mud from roadways and underpasses.
Local officials are preparing for more storms and possible flash flooding Thursday. The area was under a flood watch through 10 p.m., and sand was available for residents at Clifton Town Hall, Ward Canyon, Veterans Park and the Clifton Historic Shovel.
The preparations follow a storm that left roads and other local infrastructure requiring cleanup, while the possibility of renewed flooding posed another concern for residents and response crews.