Flash Floods and Mandatory Evacuations Threaten the American Southwest
Pacific storm systems are fueling heavy rains across the Southwest, triggering mandatory evacuations, flood rescues, and historic river crest forecasts in Arizona and Colorado.
Catastrophic Flooding Threatens Pagosa Springs
In southwestern Colorado, officials in Pagosa Springs warned of potentially catastrophic flooding as the San Juan River was forecast to crest at more than 20 feet late Sunday night. That projection dwarfs the devastating 1911 flood when the river crested at approximately 17.8 feet, the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office reported on Facebook. Town officials ordered mandatory evacuations for residents in low-lying areas along the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo, and Piedra rivers, directing evacuees to a designated shelter at a local church. The highway entering the town was closed to inbound traffic, and business owner Katie German expressed alarm that the sole bridge into town could wash out and block vital supply trucks.
Sedona and Arizona Communities Issue Urgent Orders
Communities across Arizona experienced intense flooding as storms dropped months’ worth of precipitation in a span of days. In Sedona, officials ordered immediate evacuations for residents near Oak Creek after multiple people became trapped in their homes by rising waters. Yavapai County and the community of Camp Verde issued parallel evacuation orders for residents living near swollen waterways. More than 100 miles southeast of Sedona, Gila County officials ordered the total evacuation of Gisela, a small community along Tonto Creek. Further south in Tucson, floodwaters prompted swift boat rescues, while Aaron Hardin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tucson, noted that the region was receiving two to three months of rain in just a couple of days.
I'm closely monitoring the Oak Creek flooding and evacuations across Arizona. I've directed state resources to help: DPS Air Rescue is conducting rooftop evacuations, and ADOT crews are clearing debris. Please stay safe and follow guidance from local authorities.
Storm Recovery and Emergency Response Operations
In Flagstaff, relentless rain overwhelmed storm drains and flooded local roads, prompting residents outside Our Lady of Guadalupe Church to fill plastic sandbags to protect parish buildings. Meteorologists warned that the vigorous Pacific storm system would continue to saturate the region through Monday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the sudden flash flooding across the Southwest?
A series of vigorous Pacific storm systems funneled heavy moisture into the normally arid region, dropping as much as 4 inches of rain in a couple of days across parts of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Which areas faced the most severe evacuation orders?
Pagosa Springs in Colorado faced historic river crest warnings along the San Juan River, while Arizona communities including Sedona, Camp Verde, and Gisela ordered mandatory evacuations due to surging creeks and trapped residents.
When did the heavy rainfall begin and how long was it expected to last?
The latest round of soaking rains began on Saturday evening and was forecast to saturate the Southwest region continuously through Monday.