Colorado town braces for historic flood as heavy rains batter south-west
A series of Pacific storm systems has triggered severe flash flooding and mandatory evacuations across the American Southwest, delivering up to three months of rainfall in just a few days. In the Colorado mountain town of Pagosa Springs, home to more than 2,000 residents, officials warned of catastrophic flooding as the San Juan River was forecast to crest above 20 feet (6.1 meters). That level would eclipse the historic 1911 flood crest of 17.8 feet that destroyed much of the settlement. By Sunday evening, the river reached approximately 14 feet, prompting road closures and stay-at-home orders.
The deluge hit Arizona particularly hard, where forecasters projected up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain through Monday. Emergency officials in Sedona ordered immediate evacuations along Oak Creek as rising waters trapped people in their homes, while similar evacuation orders were issued in Yavapai County, Camp Verde, and the Gila County community of Gisela along Tonto Creek. Flash flooding prompted boat rescues in Tucson, and in Flagstaff, police launched a search for a man swept into fast-moving runoff. Flood alerts covered nearly all of Arizona alongside parts of New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada.
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