At least 4 dead after Arizona floods; hundreds of propane tanks create hazmat risk in Globe
At least four people have died after severe flash flooding inundated Globe and surrounding areas in Arizona, with rescuers finding multiple bodies — including two inside a vehicle and one beneath a Scottsdale walkway bridge — and heavy damage to historic downtown Globe. Roughly 1,000 residential propane tanks were swept from a facility south of Globe, creating a hazardous‑materials risk as hazmat teams and mutual‑aid responders work under a disaster declaration and warnings of additional thunderstorms that could hamper recovery.
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📰 Sources (3)
At least 4 dead in Arizona following devastating flooding
New information:
- Updated confirmed death toll: at least four fatalities (previously reported as three).
- Detail that one body was found under a walkway bridge in Scottsdale after being submerged in about 8 feet of fast-moving water.
- Approximate count of propane tanks dispersed through downtown Globe: about 1,000 residential-sized tanks; hazmat teams deployed.
- Meteorological note: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport recorded its highest one-day rainfall in nearly seven years and the city's fourth-wettest day since 2000 (context for severity).
At Least 3 Killed in Arizona Flood That Swept Away Vehicles Overnight
New information:
- Globe city council approved a disaster declaration at an emergency meeting.
- Officials reported roughly 1,000 propane tanks from a facility south of the city were swept away, raising a hazmat concern.
- Named local officials quoted: Mike Stapleton (Globe vice mayor) described downtown devastation; Mayor Al Gameros reported state and neighboring-county rescue teams were assisting and that he contacted Gov. Katie Hobbs' office.
- Rescue crews were actively checking vehicles among debris for people and asked residents in nearby communities to shelter in place.
- National Weather Service forecast noted a 40% chance of additional thunderstorms later that day, complicating response.
3 dead and others believed missing after flooding in rural Arizona community
New information:
- Three people were found dead after Friday's flooding in Globe, Arizona; two were located inside a vehicle and a third was found elsewhere.
- Carl Melford, Gila County Division of Emergency Management manager, provided on‑the‑record comments to KPHO‑TV and described heavy damage to the town.
- Search-and-rescue operations continued into Saturday; officials warned of hazardous chemicals, debris and propane tanks swept into floodwaters and urged people to stay away from historic downtown.