The Southwest U.S. is preparing for more rain and thunderstorms after consecutive days of severe weather. This has prompted evacuations and rescues due to flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Four Corners region, impacting parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Despite this, local authorities anticipate some relief as rivers begin to recede from the heavy rains that started Wednesday.
According to CBS News meteorologist Andrew Kozak, the area may face floods on roads, in small streams, canyons, and over burn scars from repeated rain. The rain is expected to move toward the central and northern Plains Sunday night, reaching the Upper Midwest by Monday and Tuesday.
The Colorado Department of Transportation reported significant increases in water levels for the San Juan River, resulting in the closure of the San Juan River Bridge. A video supplied to CBS Colorado depicts a house in Pagosa Springs submerged, with only roof and chimney parts visible.
Another video shows resident Chris Mott in Pagosa Springs lamenting the water’s impact on the neighborhood, stating, “I’m sorry, buddy. I tried. I really tried. But this one was bigger than the last one.” His comments accompany scenes of displaced sandbags and flooding.
San Juan County, New Mexico, faced similar issues. Sheriff Shane Ferrari’s home suffered from 4 feet of water. He mentioned that while recovery is ongoing, the situation improved by Sunday. Residents are actively cleaning up and assessing damage.
Devin Neeley, spokesperson for San Juan County, reported no official damage assessments or evacuation numbers, although there were no known fatalities. He confirmed the floodwaters are receding but left behind mud, silt, and contaminants from sewage treatment failures. Power outages persist in several areas, with full restoration expected in the coming days.
A statement from the Colorado Department of Transportation noted high water levels under the San Juan River Bridge, emphasizing the area’s continued state of emergency.
For two months, tropical moisture from the Pacific has brought on-and-off rain to the region, breaking a prolonged drought. Previous floods have affected the Grand Canyon and parts of New Mexico.