Southwest Flooding Prompts Evacuations in Three States

Heavy rain triggered widespread flash flooding and evacuation orders Sunday across parts of Arizona, Colorado and northern New Mexico. In Arizona, rising water along the Verde River inundated properties and swept away vehicles and crates, prompting evacuations and the opening of an emergency shelter; flooding also affected roads in Flagstaff. In Colorado, orders and pre-evacuation notices covered parts of La Plata County, while Archuleta County officials urged residents in low-lying river areas to leave as Pagosa Springs faced record flooding and a forecast river peak of 21.9 feet; earlier flooding in Archuleta County had damaged more than 500 homes and prompted dozens of rescues. In Chama, New Mexico, officials ordered residents and businesses in a designated area to evacuate immediately. Authorities urged people to avoid flooded roads and moving water, follow emergency instructions and leave before floodwaters arrive.