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Monsoon rain creates mixed blessings after Willow Fire

Wednesday, July 14, 2004

Lindsay Butler/Roundup Firefighters camping in Payson had to contend with heavy rains Tuesday and Wednesday. Fire officials warn that the monsoon rains are not enough to alleviate the drought, and lightning activity and the potential for flooding increases.

Notice from the Arizona Central West Zone Incident Management Team

July 14--The monsoon season is a mixed blessing for residents in the communities surrounding the Willow Fire. Although the monsoons bring rain, it's not enough to alleviate the drought, and lightning activity and the potential for flooding increases.

According to Incident Meteorologist Robert Balfour, "One-quarter inch of rain within a 30-minute timeframe has a potential to cause a flash flood. The weather forecast for the next three days calls for potentially heavy downpours over the Willow Fire area. If this occurs, there may be lots of debris and rapid flooding in the areas near Rye Creek, Deer Creek, Hardt Creek, and possibly Tonto Creek."

Carmen Corso, from Gila County Emergency Management advises residents to tune to local radio and television broadcasts for Emergency Alert Broadcasts issued by the National Weather Service and/or Gila County Emergency Management. Additional information concerning possible evacuation is available on the Gila County Website at www.gilacountyaz.gov.