River flooding forces evacuations near Sedona, Camp Verde

jose R. Gonzalez and SYdneV Carruth Arizona Republic

Published 9:07 a.m. MT March 22, 2023 I Updated 3:37 p.m. MT March 23, 2023

More evacuation orders were issued Wednesday afternoon for residents in Yavapai county due to flooding.

The Yavapai County Sheriffs Office issued a GO message for the Annetta area of Camp Verde along the Verde River.

"There is flooding in the low-lying areas along the Verde River," the department posted on Facebook. "Please evacuate now or move to higher ground. Do not enter flooded areas. Turn around, don't drown."

Some residents in Sedona and other parts of Yavapai county were allowed to return home on Wednesday afternoon.

The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office urged Black Canyon City residents living at the River's Edge RV Park near the Aqua Fria River to evacuate at 10 a.m. on Wednesday The evacuation was a GO message, meaning residents should evacuate immediately as danger is imminent.

A 12:4O p.m., a Faeebook post from the city of Sedona changed the order to SET, meaning they may return home but should be ready to evacuate again on immediate notice.

The evacuation call comes as officials expect the Aqua Fria River levels to rise dramatically, according to the Sheriffs Office.

The Yavapai County Sheriffs Office tweeted on Wednesday evening that preYous flood warnings for Rimrock residents in the Wet Beaver Creek area were no longer in effect but urged those returning to their homes to remain cautious with damage and flooding.