GLOBE, AZ — Three people have died following severe flash flooding in Globe Friday night, and search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate additional missing individuals, according to Gila County emergency officials.

The flooding, which began late Friday, caused widespread damage and shut down portions of US 60 overnight and into Saturday morning. Water swept through the downtown area, submerging streets and sending vehicles and propane tanks floating through the city. Videos sent to ABC15 show fast-moving water rushing down Broad Street and other parts of the city.

Watch as Governor Katie Hobbs and other state leaders provide an update:

ABC15 Arizona Live Video

Between 100 and 150 personnel from agencies across the state are actively involved in search and rescue operations. Crews from Maricopa, Pima, and Tonto Rim Search and Rescue, along with the Arizona State Land Department, are on the ground assisting with recovery and response.

City officials say several residents have reported loved ones missing. The top priority remains locating those unaccounted for and ensuring the safety of all residents.

In nearby Claypool, streets also flooded as rain pushed through the area. Miami High School sustained water damage across multiple buildings Thursday and Friday.

The City of Globe has scheduled an emergency City Council meeting for Saturday at noon to formally declare a state of emergency. Officials say the declaration will help unlock funding and additional resources for recovery.

Residents are being urged to avoid downtown Globe, which remains littered with debris, flood damage, and possibly hazardous materials, including displaced propane tanks.

Two Red Cross shelters have been opened to assist displaced residents, one at High Desert Middle School and another at Lee Kornegay Intermediate School.

While community members of Globe are hoping to go out and help with cleanup and search efforts, the city is urging people to let emergency response crews take over.

“We understand the deep desire to help right now, our community always steps up. But the best way to help at this time is to have patience and allow trained professionals the space to do what is needed,” a Facebook post from the city read.

Governor Katie Hobbs released the following statement:

“I’m heartbroken by the devastation in Gila county, my thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and the residents whose lives have been impacted,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “This declaration is a commitment to the people of Gila County that Arizona will deliver every resource available to help. We will continue to work around the clock to ensure communities throughout Gila County that have been impacted by devastating flooding have the support they need to protect life and property.”

City of Globe, Mayor Al Gameros also shared a statement:

“Globe City Council had a special meeting this afternoon at noon to approve and sign the City of Globe Emergency Proclamation. Simultaneously the county signed their emergency proclamation. The Governor Hobbs has now also signed an Emergency declaration for the Globe Miami area to authorize funding.

We have been a direct contact with Governor Hobbs, Senator Mark Kelly, Senator Ruben Gallego, Congressman Andy Biggs and Congressman Eli Crane, who will also be involved with working with their teams to expedite funding to our city.

We want to assure the business community and all our residents that our Council is doing everything possible to expedite funding and identify funding opportunities for the business community to begin the assessment process of their buildings so we can move forward with rebuilding.

We continue to receive resources from all over the state to assist us during this emergency event. A Type 3 Incident Command Team is in transition to take over the incident.

All search and rescue operations were temporarily halted this afternoon due to the rain and the safety of our first responders.

Work continues downtown to stabilize the area so that we are able to allow the owners of the businesses to enter the downtown area.

As soon as the Type Three Incident Management takes over complete control of the incident, information will be shared about a location to accept donations of supplies. We will continue to update you as things evolve.”