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GILA COUNTY, Ariz. - Residents in the Globe-Miami area are bracing for another round of potentially severe weather, even as many are still cleaning up and recovering from heavy rain and flash flooding two weeks ago that left three people dead and affected countless homes and businesses.
What we know:
The possibility of more inclement weather is an emotional blow for a community still deep in the recovery phase, but this time around, residents have had time to prepare.
William Luster is still trying to comprehend the damage done to his restaurant, Salina’s Smoke Street BBQ, by the recent flooding.
"All of our equipment got destroyed, got pushed over, knocked over," Luster said. "We had propane tanks through our windows that smashed in everything. And, and it was as much water out here as was inside."
While many are working to get back on their feet, the threat of more rain and flooding looms in the coming days.
"We are still in the recovery mode here," said Marcy McMacken of Gila County Emergency Operations.
The looming threat has generated fear among some. "We’re a little scared. We’re a little scared right now about it," said Globe resident James Martin Jr.
Gila County residents urged to assess damage as flooding continues
A severe monsoon storm has caused days-long flooding in the city of Globe and nearby areas. Officials are urging residents to stay off flooded roads and asking those affected to complete a damage assessment survey to help with recovery efforts.
Dig deeper:
Gila County Emergency Operations has set up an emergency phone bank for neighbors to call for resources and information and has made sandbags available in several spots.
"These sandbags are going faster than we can fill them," McMacken said.
Not everyone is getting sandbags for themselves. Father and son, James Martin Jr. and James Martin Sr., have been dropping them off to anyone they see in need.
"We’re strong, and we’re standing together, and we’re just rebuilding," Martin Sr. said. "You know, we’re not going to let nothing get us down."
Janette Herrera and Trina Bunger with Citizens for Better Community are bringing sandbags, along with food and supplies, to the elderly.
"We don’t know what we’re expecting, and we don’t want them to have to worry," Herrera said.
Despite the unknown, residents say they will face the coming weather as a united community, just as they did before.
"We are here, we’re resilient, and we’re going to be OK eventually," Herrera said.
The resilience is paired with a bit of humor.
"I heard a prayer, and it said, ‘We need to tell God to tell Mother Nature to put her on probation until she gets this figured out,’" Bunger said.
Teen saves family from Globe flood, severely injuring arm in the process
A 15-year-old managed to save his family during historic flooding in Globe, almost losing a limb in the process.
The Gonzalez family is determined to save the family home.
"I love my family and I love this home. I love my mama. I used to live here and this is them. This is for them," Rosie Gonzalez said.
Properties along Jesse Hayes Road are the hardest hit. Of about a dozen homes there, five are damaged beyond repair, and a few are barely hanging on.
While the Gonzalez home is undergoing a major makeover, the family finds strength in the little things.
‘We’re worried about it’
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A short distance down the road, a large pile of propane tanks is being hauled off to safer ground. Up the hill is the city’s official trash pile, which was large last week and is now even bigger.
In addition, a handful of sandbag stations are set up.
Beyond the major repairs, the Gonzalez home is getting ready for possible rain. Sandbags stand watch outside their home, and lots of hope is inside their hearts.
"We’re worried about it, not quite ready, but will get sandbags, will have all the doors sealed and hope that it doesn’t flood," a family member named Don said.
A curfew is in place for the next few nights – it runs from dusk until dawn along a major stretch of Broad Street that was flooded two weeks ago. Restaurants and stores are open, but people are waiting and hoping for the best.
What you can do:
Gila County Emergency Management's phone bank is available at 928-402-8888 for residents with storm preparation questions. The county will also be setting up a disaster assistance center this weekend.
Gila County resources for severe weather incidents
Salina's Smoke St. GoFundMe