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Rain moves out as flood risks remain in Southwest following destructive storms
Heavy storms have caused widespread flooding across the U.S. Southwest, forcing hundreds of people from their homes and prompting rescues as rivers overflowed. Although rain was easing, officials warned that flooding and isolated downpours could continue, with one death confirmed and a second suspected to be weather-related.
In Pagosa Springs, Colorado, the San Juan River reached 16.81 feet, flooding streets and damaging bridges; a home was swept downstream. More than 20 trillion gallons of rain fell across the Four Corners states and Nevada over two weeks, while evacuations and road closures affected communities in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah. Crews and residents began clearing mud and repairing damage, work officials said could take weeks.
In short
- Flooding forced hundreds to evacuate across the Southwest.
- The San Juan River reached 16.81 feet in Pagosa Springs.
- Officials warned risks and recovery efforts would continue.
Explained simply
The Four Corners is the region where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah meet. Rivers in this dry part of the Southwest can rise quickly after heavy rain, and flooding can affect roads, bridges and homes far from where the rain fell.
Local officials manage evacuations, road closures and rescue efforts, while emergency crews help residents and repair damaged infrastructure. The San Juan River runs through Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, so high water can affect several communities along its route.
Flooding matters because it can threaten lives, cut off access to towns and leave homes and public facilities damaged. Even after rain eases, swollen rivers and further downpours can keep danger and disruption in place.