At least four people have died following devastating floods in Arizona, where search crews are still scouring damaged areas for missing residents. The flooding overwhelmed parts of the small city of Globe, destroying structures and sweeping away vehicles. Meanwhile, along the southeastern coast, both Carolinas are bracing for a dangerous storm system that forecasters warn could strengthen into a hurricane as early as next week. Governors in both states have declared emergencies, urging residents to prepare for potentially deadly weather conditions.
Read: ‘Never Thought I’d Be Here’ Florida Seniors Face Homelessness Surge as Housing Costs Skyrocket
Arizona Community Submerged
The city of Globe, a rural community about 88 miles east of Phoenix, was hit hardest by the sudden flooding. Carl Melford, manager of Gila County’s emergency division, described the scene as unrecognizable. “I grew up here, and I don’t recognize the town that I grew up in right now,” he said, noting the widespread destruction caused by fast-moving waters.
Also read: Universities Warn of Collapse as Trump’s $100K H-1B Visa Policy Threatens Talent Drain
Victims Found in Vehicles
Authorities confirmed that two of the victims were discovered inside a submerged vehicle, while a third was found nearby on Friday. On Saturday morning, crews recovered another body pinned beneath a bridge in suburban Phoenix. The victim’s car had been swept away the previous night, trapped under nearly eight feet of water in a greenbelt park.
Also read: San Francisco Opens 73 New Affordable Homes in Hunters Point
Overnight Search Operations
Search teams worked through the night to find missing people, and reinforcements joined efforts on Saturday. Officials used social media to warn residents to stay clear of Globe’s historic downtown, where weakened structures and hazardous debris, including propane tanks, posed additional dangers to the community.
Also read: Trump Admin Pushes Supreme Court to End Birthright Citizenship
South Carolina Preparations
As Arizona grappled with tragedy, South Carolina turned its attention to an approaching storm. Governor Henry McMaster urged residents to take the threat seriously, warning: “This storm is deadly serious. Not just serious. Deadly serious.” Emergency crews began preparations along the coastline amid growing fears of a direct impact.
Also read: Texas Tech Bans ‘Gender Identity Lessons’ Under Trump Order
North Carolina Emergency Declared
In neighboring North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein issued a state of emergency in anticipation of the developing system. The announcement came almost exactly one year after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the Carolinas, a reminder of how quickly tropical weather can escalate.
Also read: White House Dismisses Epstein Email Revelations as ‘More Stupid, Fake News’
Storm Tracks Near Bahamas
The National Hurricane Center in Miami identified the system as Tropical Depression Nine on Saturday. By afternoon, it was located about 120 miles south-southwest of the central Bahamas. Forecasters advised residents of the Bahamas and the U.S. southeastern coast to stay vigilant, as the storm could intensify before reaching land.
Also read: New Epstein Files Name Elon Musk as Democrats Release Shocking Records
Memories of Past Storms
The looming threat of another hurricane has revived painful memories across the region. Last year’s Helene left lasting scars in South Carolina and North Carolina, making officials even more urgent in their calls for readiness. “What we learn every time is we never know where they are going to go,” McMaster said, underlining the unpredictable nature of tropical storms.