PAGOSA SPRINGS, Colo. — A powerful storm system dropped multiple months' worth of rain across the Southwest in a matter of days, triggering historic flooding and mandatory evacuations from Colorado to Arizona.
In Pagosa Springs, Colo., the San Juan River was forecast to crest at more than 20 feet (6.1 meters) late Sunday night, potentially exceeding the 17.8-foot crest from a devastating 1911 flood that wiped out most of what existed as the town at that time. By sundown Sunday, the river had reached about 14 feet (4.2 meters). Officials warned of potentially catastrophic flooding and closed roads in and out of the town of more than 2,000 residents. Mandatory evacuations were also ordered along the Rio Grande in South Fork, Del Norte and Monte Vista.
In Arizona, the storm system produced widespread flash flooding and river flooding. In Sedona, officials ordered residents near Oak Creek to evacuate immediately as floodwaters trapped multiple people in their homes. Yavapai County and the community of Camp Verde issued similar evacuation orders for residents living near swollen rivers and creeks. More than 100 miles southeast of Sedona, Gila County ordered the total evacuation of Gisela, a community of several hundred residents along Tonto Creek. Flash floods, river flooding and swift boat rescues were reported in Tucson. Two men were found dead in Flagstaff Monday morning after reportedly falling into floodwaters Sunday evening. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs declared a statewide state of emergency to support rescue and recovery efforts, allowing access to $200,000 in emergency funding.
The National Weather Service estimated up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain could fall across the region, fueled by a series of Pacific storm systems. The system shifted east toward the central United States on Monday, bringing soggy conditions for Election Day. Flood warnings and watches remained in effect for nearly all of Arizona and parts of southern Utah, southwestern Colorado and western New Mexico. Over 10 rivers, creeks and washes in Arizona and southwest Colorado surged past major flood stage, with record flooding reported along the Little Colorado River near Winslow and the Gila River near Solomon.
