Weather
Eastern Arizona Flood Alert: Two Rivers Flooding Monday Morning
Safford, AZ – Flooding is underway across parts of eastern Arizona early Monday, November 2, as rising water along the Gila and San Francisco rivers threatens homes, businesses and transportation rout
By Wesley Grant · 2026-11-02T09:06:17.608Z
Safford, AZ – Flooding is underway across parts of eastern Arizona early Monday, November 2, as rising water along the Gila and San Francisco rivers threatens homes, businesses and transportation routes in Graham and Greenlee counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Tucson, river flood warnings remain in effect for the Gila River at Solomon and the San Francisco River at Clifton. An update issued at 1:42 a.m. MST Monday indicates both waterways are experiencing flooding, with additional rises forecast during the morning.
The Gila River at Solomon is forecast to crest near 28 feet late Monday morning , reaching major flood stage. Forecasters warn that flooding at this level could affect several homes and businesses, particularly on the north side of Solomon, east of Safford, and near Thatcher.
Bridges in affected areas may also become overtopped, creating potentially dangerous conditions for drivers attempting to cross flooded roadways.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco River at Clifton is expected to crest near 24 feet around 5 a.m. Monday , reaching minor flood stage. Although the projected severity is lower than along the Gila River, residents near the river should remain alert to changing water conditions.
The warnings cover communities in the Safford area and surrounding portions of Graham and Greenlee counties, northeast of the Tucson metropolitan area.
Residents living near rivers, washes and low lying crossings should closely monitor official updates. Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roads, even when water appears shallow.
Flood conditions can change rapidly, especially near bridges and river crossings where rising water may make travel unsafe.
The National Weather Service encourages residents to monitor the latest river observations and forecasts at https://water.noaa.gov .
Additional updates may be issued as the rivers approach their projected crests Monday morning.