Phoenix fire crews rescue six people trapped in vehicles during flash flooding

Phoenix fire crews rescued six people from swift water after severe storms swept through the metropolitan area and trapped multiple vehicles in high water. Following heavy rainfall from storms that triggered a flash flood watch across the region Storms and flash flood watch threaten phoenix halloween weekend events, emergency responders rushed to multiple swift water incidents as intense downpours pounded the valley. Power outages also affected thousands of residents across the Valley as the severe weather system moved through.

Phoenix Fire Department officials said technical rescue teams responded around 6:30 p.m. on Friday to an urgent water rescue incident near 40th Street and Camelback Road. Four vehicles became stuck in a local wash with swift floodwaters rising dangerously close to the windows of the trapped cars.

First responders utilized a specialized shallow water entry technique to safely reach the stranded motorists and their passengers. Video footage released by the fire department showed rescue workers linking arms and guiding people through rushing floodwaters that reached higher than their waists.

All six occupants were evaluated by medical personnel at the scene and ultimately declined further medical treatment. The rescue operation unfolded as intense thunderstorms dropped more than an inch of rain in less than an hour across parts of Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Scottsdale and Tempe fire department technical rescue crews also responded to separate dangerous water incidents after motorists drove around posted barricades into flooded roadways. One notable rescue in Scottsdale involved a motorist who drove around closure signs near Hayden Road and McCormick Parkway.

City officials reiterated safety reminders urging residents never to drive around barricades, attempt to cross flooded washes, or walk and swim in moving floodwater. Emergency management personnel said that drivers should always turn around rather than attempting to navigate flooded routes. Additional rain showers and a continuing flood threat are forecasted to persist across central Arizona through the weekend.