World · North America · 6 hrs ago
Flooding prompts evacuations in Arizona and Colorado
Officials ordered evacuations near Oak Creek in Sedona as floodwaters rose and people were reported trapped in homes.
In Pagosa Springs, Colorado, authorities told people in low-lying areas along four rivers to leave immediately.
The San Juan River is forecast to crest at 21.84 feet, well above its 1911 peak of 17.8 feet, which devastated the town.
Heavy rain is falling on a region still recovering from floods last week that damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.
Sewage has begun flowing into the San Juan River, and health officials warned people and pets to stay away from it.
Rescue crews may be unable to reach people during the worst of the storm, so officials are bringing in additional search-and-rescue teams and other help.
Pagosa Springs residents who need shelter can go to Open Door Church, while authorities continue to coordinate emergency response as conditions change.
Heavy rain prompted mandatory evacuations in parts of the Southwest on Sunday, with flash flooding already trapping people in homes in Sedona, Arizona.
In Pagosa Springs, Colorado, forecasts for the San Juan River rose to 21.84 feet, above the 17.8-foot crest recorded in the devastating 1911 flood.
Officials urged people in low-lying areas along several rivers to leave immediately and warned that emergency response would be limited during the worst of the storm.
The National Weather Service forecast up to 4 inches of rain in parts of the region through Monday, with flood watches covering areas across several states.
The storm threatens communities still recovering from flooding the previous week, which damaged roads, bridges and public infrastructure.
- Who
- Residents in flood-risk areas across the Southwest, including Sedona and Pagosa Springs, were told to evacuate.
- What
- Heavy rain caused flash flooding and prompted evacuation orders as rivers were forecast to rise to dangerous levels.
- When
- Sunday, November 1, with rain and flood risk expected to continue through Monday.
- Where
- The US Southwest, including Sedona, Arizona, and Pagosa Springs and other areas of southwestern Colorado.
- Why
- Pacific storm systems were bringing heavy rain to already saturated areas, raising the risk of flooding.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The latest round of soaking rain began across the region.
Authorities urged residents in low-lying areas along rivers near Pagosa Springs to evacuate immediately.
Flood forecasts for the San Juan River were revised upward, with the peak forecast reaching 21.84 feet.
Heavy rain and flash flooding were expected to continue in already saturated areas.
- San Juan River forecast
- 21.84 feet by 11 p.m. Sunday
- 1911 flood crest
- 17.8 feet
- Rainfall forecast
- Up to 4 inches across the region
- Evacuation shelter
- Open Door Church, 110 Trinity Lane, Pagosa Springs, Colorado
- Sedona evacuation site
- Sedona Red Rock High School
8 sources
Heavy rainfall prompts evacuations and road closures across Southwest Colorado
Flooding in Parts of Arizona and Colorado Prompts Evacuation Orders
Flash flooding prompts mandatory evacuations in southwest
Urgent flood warning: Evacuate now
River rising far faster than anticipated in Pagosa Springs, historic crest now forecast for 6 p.m.
Devastating storms continue to hit Southwest 'Four Corners' region
Massive storm triggers mandatory evacuations, rising rivers out West as dangerous weather threatens 35 states
What people are saying
Please stay at high ground, watch your alerts and be careful.
This is a potentially catastrophic flood event. Extensive damage is expected.
Our ability to respond during the worst time of this storm will be extremely limited.