Flash flood area in Arizona. Photo: Shutterstock Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has declared a statewide state of emergency following severe storms, historic rainfall and catastrophic flooding that have damaged roads and infrastructure across parts of the state since October 31.
The declaration, signed on November 2, 2026, makes $200,000 from the state's general fund available for emergency response and recovery efforts. It also authorizes the coordination of state resources and directs the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to seek federal assistance for damaged roads and transportation infrastructure.
According to the declaration, heavy rainfall over a 72-hour period, along with strong winds and flash flooding, has severely affected Apache, Coconino, Gila, Greenlee, Navajo, Pinal and Yavapai counties. Several tribal communities have also been impacted, including the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, San Carlos Apache Tribe, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe and White Mountain Apache Tribe.
The damage has affected roads, bridges, culverts, sewer facilities, water and gas lines, and power infrastructure. Flooding and debris flows have also disrupted major transportation routes, forcing multiple road and highway closures.
Some residents have been evacuated, and shelters have been established in affected communities. The Arizona Department of Public Safety has carried out helicopter and swift-water rescues, assisted with evacuations and helped coordinate road closures.
ADOT began positioning resources across the state on October 30 and continues to work on removing debris and addressing damage to transportation corridors. However, the scale of the destruction has exceeded the department's available capacity, prompting the governor to direct the agency to request support through the Federal Highway Administration's Emergency Relief Program.
Several local authorities had already declared emergencies, including Apache County, Gila County and Yavapai County, as well as the cities of Camp Verde, Prescott and Sedona.
In announcing the statewide declaration, Hobbs said the measure would make critical funding and state resources available to communities affected by the storms.
"We're working closely with local leaders to clear roads, repair infrastructure, and help families recover," she said.
The emergency declaration took effect retroactively on October 31 and will remain in force as recovery operations continue. It also places Arizona's Emergency Response and Recovery Plan in effect to coordinate state and other available resources.