Colorado Declares State of Emergency as Flooding Hits the Southwest
The state of Colorado is under a state of emergency as severe storms unleash flash flooding. Here is a look at the dangerous weather that is unfolding across Colorado and the Four Corners region heading into the weekend.
More Heavy Rain Unfolding Across the Four Corners to End the Work Week
The southwestern quadrant of the U.S. has been under a volatile weather pattern in recent days, with more severe impacts expected as the weekend kicks off. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis verbally declared a state of emergency as flooding continues to disrupt life across the southwestern corner of the state.
Yet another round of thunderstorms and heavy rain is developing across New Mexico on Friday afternoon. The stormy conditions are happening just one day after flash flooding prompted evacuations across some parts of the Four Corners region.
The storms are finally easing across Arizona and Utah as the upper-level low responsible for this pattern shifts into New Mexico. Unfortunately for New Mexico, the storms will persist into Saturday. Central portions of the Land of Enchantment are under a Level 2 out of 5 severe weather threat. Primary dangers include large hail and tornadic activity.
In addition to the severe weather threat, a Level 2 out of 4 flash flood threat is in place for parts of northern New Mexico and southwestern Colorado. Rainfall rates could reach 2 to 3 inches per hour in the heaviest hit areas.
Widespread flooding gripped South Fork, Colorado, on Friday. The hazardous conditions have kept the mandatory evacuations in effect for portions of the Rio Grande and local creeks that feed into this major river.
The community of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, declared a local state of emergency as the floodwaters raged. This town is located right on the border with New Mexico.
Some areas of Utah were also besieged by rising waters on Thursday. The town of Hurricane is dealing with severe flooding issues, with at least 130 homes and RVs damaged by the water. Residents near Gould Wash were told to leave immediately as water levels rose quickly.
Arizona Recovering After Record-Breaking Storms
Moving to the south, four people had to be rescued by helicopter from the roof of a pickup truck near Rimrock, Arizona, on Thursday. The occupants of the truck had to climb to the roof of the vehicle when floodwaters surrounded them.
The Moenkopi Wash near Tuba City, Arizona, reported a record-high water level of 32.48 feet on Thursday evening. This reading smashed the previous record of 29.79 feet.
The severe storms fired up on Wednesday, unleashing heavy rain, powerful winds, and hail. The event persisted into Thursday, with lingering impacts still being felt on Friday along the eastern flank of the weather maker.
The weather pattern also prompted two rare Tornado Watches in areas not accustomed to twisters. A watch was issued on Wednesday and Thursday in Arizona, marking the first time since October 2010 that this state has seen this alert. Neighboring New Mexico was issued its first Tornado Watch since 1998.
A suspected tornado reportedly hit the town of Heber, Arizona, on Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) is sending crews to the area to survey the damage and confirm that it was indeed a tornado. One person was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
High winds were another serious impact associated with this storm system. A top gust of 72 mph was notched in Flagstaff, Arizona.
While the severe weather has eased across much of the region, the threat of flooding is forecast to persist through at least Saturday morning in New Mexico and West Texas.
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