Around 3 p.m. today, a driver bypassed a road-closure sign and entered floodwater on Murphy Road at Steen Road, where their SUV quickly became disabled as water rose above the wheels.

Maricopa Fire/Medical Department crews responded and rescued two people from the black Ford Expidition. Both were safely removed, and no injuries were reported.

The scene was cleared by 5 p.m., but officials told InMaricopa the vehicle will likely remain until the water recedes.

Murphy Road is closed between Desert Sunrise High School and Maricopa–Casa Grande Highway. Local traffic may access the area only with an appropriate high-clearance vehicle, officials said.

Arizona’s “stupid motorist law” allows the state to recover rescue costs from anyone who drives around barricades into flooded roadways.

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