Globe AZ Underwater: Arizona Flooding Leaves Globe Arizona Residents Struggling Amid Phoenix Weather Warnings as Death Toll Rises
Severe Arizona flooding has left Globe AZ underwater, killing multiple people and displacing families, while Phoenix weather warnings keep residents on high alert amid recovery efforts.
Globe AZ : Arizona Flooding Leaves Globe Arizona Residents Struggling
The small mining city of Globe, Arizona, is facing one of its darkest chapters after powerful storms dumped record rainfall, transforming streets into raging rivers. Families in Globe are mourning loved ones, searching for the missing, and trying to piece together lives left scattered by floodwaters. What makes this tragedy even harder is the suddenness—it struck fast, and for many, there was little time to escape.
Officials confirmed that at least three lives were lost in Globe alone, and a fourth fatality occurred near Phoenix. These numbers may not even capture the full toll, as search teams are still scouring creeks and washed-out areas.
What stands out most in Globe is the emotional impact on residents. Many said they had never seen such flooding before, even after years of living in the area. It was not just water—it was propane tanks floating down Main Street, cars swept away, and homes suddenly unlivable.
Hazards Beyond the Flood: Propane Tanks and Building Damage
The physical damage in Globe goes far beyond mud and debris. A propane tank distributor was completely washed out, sending nearly 1,000 propane tanks floating across town. Hazmat teams were forced into overtime, carefully monitoring for leaks that could spark explosions or fires.
Local businesses were hit hard, and the historic downtown area saw several structures weakened by the force of the rushing water. For a city that relies heavily on its cultural heritage and small-town commerce, this adds another painful layer to the recovery challenge.
Table: Key Hazards Following Globe Floods
| Hazard | Impact on Community | Safety Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Propane tanks displaced | Potential gas leaks and explosions | Hazmat monitoring and recovery |
| Structural damage | Unsafe downtown buildings | Restricted access zones |
| Flood debris | Blocked streets and creeks | Ongoing clean-up operations |
| Washed-out roads | Limited emergency response | Emergency repairs underway |
Phoenix Weather Warnings Heighten Regional Concerns
While Globe bore the brunt of the devastation, Phoenix was also severely impacted by the same system. The city recorded over 1.6 inches of rain in a single day—its wettest in nearly seven years. For Phoenix residents, the storms were a stark reminder of how unpredictable Arizona weather can be.
The National Weather Service issued multiple Phoenix weather warnings, cautioning residents to stay away from low-lying areas and washes. Even though skies have cleared in some places, saturated ground means flash flooding can reappear suddenly.
This isn’t just a Globe issue—it’s a statewide problem that reminds Arizona residents of their vulnerability to extreme weather.
Emergency Response: Search, Rescue, and Recovery in Globe Arizona
Rescue teams have been stretched thin across Gila County, with over 150 personnel mobilized for recovery efforts. Their tasks range from rescuing stranded residents to combing creeks for missing individuals. But with each new storm cell, operations become riskier.
Governor Katie Hobbs declared a state of emergency, unlocking state resources and deploying the Arizona National Guard. Local schools and community centers have been turned into shelters, housing dozens of displaced families.
Despite this, Globe Arizona residents say the toughest part is waiting—waiting for news about missing loved ones, waiting for the waters to fully recede, and waiting to return home.
Residents’ Voices: A Community in Crisis
The heart of Globe’s story isn’t just in the numbers—it’s in the voices of its people. One long-time resident summed up the shock: “In 41 years, it’s rained, but never like this.” Many residents shared videos of propane tanks floating like toys and vehicles stuck in places they were never meant to be.
Yet, amid heartbreak, there’s resilience. Volunteers are distributing food, clothing, and bottled water. Neighbors are opening their homes to those without shelter. For a small city, Globe has shown a big heart.
The Road Ahead: What Recovery Means for Globe Arizona
The flood in Globe is being compared to some of the most destructive in Arizona history. Local leaders warn that the cleanup will take months, if not longer. Debris removal, rebuilding roads, repairing downtown structures, and addressing environmental hazards all lie ahead.
There is also the psychological toll—families facing loss, businesses struggling to reopen, and the lingering fear that another storm could undo what has been rebuilt.
For Globe Arizona, the future will depend not just on state and federal assistance but also on the strength of its community. Residents have proven time and again that when disaster strikes, they rise together. And though Globe AZ is underwater today, the determination of its people will ultimately bring it back to dry ground.
