BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. — A powerful storm brought approximately two hours of heavy rainfall to Bullhead City Monday, flooding roadways, overwhelming washes and leaving motorists stranded throughout the city.
From what Code3News witnessed while covering the storm, this was one of the most intense weather events we have covered in Bullhead City.
The exact number of stranded vehicles has not been officially confirmed. Based on the number of incidents Code3News observed and monitored throughout the storm, however, an estimated 50 motorists may have become stranded in Bullhead City alone.
Bullhead City Police officers were stretched across numerous incidents as rapidly rising water created dangerous conditions throughout the city. Despite the volume of calls, officers did a great job managing the resources available to them, blocking dangerous areas and responding to stranded motorists.
Officers were also seen getting directly involved, helping push stranded motorists and their vehicles out of flooded roadways. With calls coming in across the city, Bullhead City Police personnel were doing what they could to help people get out of dangerous situations while continuing to respond to other emergencies.
Bullhead City Fire Department crews were also extremely busy throughout the storm. The department's swift water rescue team responded as flooding created potentially dangerous situations for motorists and residents.
The storm also raises questions about whether more could have been done ahead of the severe weather to prepare Bullhead City's roadways and flood-prone areas.
The National Weather Service had issued warnings as the storm approached, and severe weather was expected in the area. In Code3News' view, Bullhead City Public Works and road crews could have been better prepared to respond to the conditions that followed.
That assessment is based on what Code3News observed while covering the storm and should not be interpreted as a finding that any particular flooding incident could have been prevented.
What is clear is that an extraordinary amount of rain fell over a relatively short period, creating hazardous conditions across Bullhead City.
Residents are reminded never to attempt to drive through flooded roadways or washes. Even after the heaviest rainfall ends, runoff can continue moving through washes and low-lying areas, and conditions can change quickly.
Code3News will continue following the aftermath of Monday's storm and any additional impacts reported throughout Bullhead City.
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