Flooding in Parts of Arizona and Colorado Prompts Evacuation Orders

A potent storm system unleashed heavy rain over the Southwest, prompting evacuation orders in some parts and bringing threats of flash flooding through Monday, forecasters said. The greatest threat was expected across parts of Arizona, southern Utah, southwestern Colorado and western New Mexico, where much of the region was still recovering from devastating floods from just over a week ago . The Weather Prediction Center said further heavy rainfall on already saturated ground could quickly run off, increasing the risk of renewed flash flooding, especially on steep terrain, slot canyons, washes and burn-scar areas.

The city of Sedona, Ariz., issued evacuation orders for some areas on Sunday. “Do not cross when there is running water on the road,” the city said in a social media post. Chief Ed Mezulis of the Sedona Fire District said on Sunday that his department and the city’s Police Department were working to evacuate multiple people because of rising water. “Please stay at high ground,” he urged residents. Rivers are also expected to be overwhelmed.

In southwestern Colorado, the San Juan River at Pagosa Springs is forecast to reach a level not seen in more than a century. A rare “particularly dangerous situation” warning was issued for Pagosa Springs, as the river was forecast to crest at 19.38 feet on Sunday night into Monday morning, more than four feet higher than last month’s peak of 15.02 feet, and above the recorded high of 17.8 feet, set in 1911. A mandatory evacuation order was issued on Saturday night for residents, businesses and visitors in Pagosa Springs, especially along the San Juan River corridor and in low-lying areas of the town.

The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management announced an evacuation order for parts of Conejos County on Sunday because of expected flooding. “Be prepared to be away from your home for multiple days,” the agency said. Officials urged anyone in the affected area to leave immediately and move to higher ground, warning that floodwaters could rise rapidly. The storm is also expected to bring heavy rain and the risk of flash floods across parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

The Weather Prediction Center said three to five inches of rain was expected across parts of Arizona’s Mogollon Rim, particularly north and east of Phoenix. In southern Utah and western New Mexico, up to three inches was possible. The storm is expected to move east toward the Great Plains on Monday, with conditions gradually improving across parts of the Southwest thereafter.