Flash floods prompt evacuations in Arizona and Colorado as rivers rise
Heavy rain brought flash floods to communities across Arizona and the wider Southwest on Sunday, prompting mandatory evacuations, road closures and rescue operations. In Pagosa Springs, Colorado, officials warned that the San Juan River could reach a level higher than during the devastating 1911 flood, raising fears of catastrophic flooding.
In Arizona, evacuation orders covered areas near Oak Creek, the Verde River and Tonto Creek, including the community of Gisela. Pima County crews had carried out at least 16 river rescues by 3pm, while officials warned drivers not to cross flooded roads. Forecasters said up to four inches of rain could fall through Monday, with flood watches and warnings spanning parts of several states.
In short
- Heavy rain triggered evacuations across Arizona and Colorado.
- Pagosa Springs faced a forecast river crest above the 1911 flood level.
- Tucson crews carried out at least 16 river rescues by 3pm.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Raging floods trigger mandatory evacuations across Arizona and Colorado as powerful storms sweep across states with residents warned of potentially ‘catastrophic event’”.