Flash Floods Force Evacuations Across the Southwest as Colorado Spa Town Braces for Record Crest

Flash Floods Force Evacuations Across the Southwest as Colorado Spa Town Braces for Record Crest

Sedona orders instant evacuation as Oak Creek surges

Flash flooding forced mandatory evacuations across parts of the Southwest on Sunday, November 1, as heavy rain pounded the normally arid region. In Sedona, Arizona, city officials placed Evacuation Zones 8, 9 and 10 on the city's east side under "GO" status, meaning residents near Oak Creek had to leave immediately. Floodwaters were rising fast and multiple people were reported trapped in their homes. Evacuees were directed to Sedona Red Rock High School for information and updates.

Spa town warns of catastrophe as river tops 1911 record

In southwestern Colorado, officials in Pagosa Springs, a tourist town of more than 2,000 in the Rockies known for its hot springs, warned of potentially "catastrophic flooding." The San Juan River was forecast to crest at more than 19 feet (5.8 meters) around 11:00 p.m. Sunday, later revised to more than 20 feet (6.1 meters). For comparison, the devastating 1911 flood that wiped out most of what existed as the town of Pagosa crested at about 17.8 feet (5.4 meters), the Archuleta County Sheriff's Office said. Officials called it "a potentially catastrophic flood event" and said extensive damage was expected.

One missing in Flagstaff as Durango orders evacuations

Rain fell nearly nonstop Sunday in Flagstaff, Arizona, flooding local roads and overwhelming storm drains. Authorities were searching for a man who slipped into fast-moving floodwaters "and was not seen resurfacing," police said Sunday evening. Evacuations were also ordered in and around Durango, Colorado, where the Animas River was rising quickly, including residents along Junction Creek. Nearby Camp Verde, Arizona, also issued evacuation orders.

Air rescues and a warmer storm fed by snowmelt

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs said state air rescue crews were assisting with rooftop evacuations while transportation crews helped clear debris. The latest round of rain began Saturday evening and was expected to last through Monday, with as much as 4 inches (10 centimeters) forecast across the region, fueled by a series of Pacific storm systems. Colorado officials said this storm was warmer than the last one, so rain would combine with considerable high-elevation snowmelt flowing downstream. National Weather Service forecasters in Grand Junction warned of a "particularly dangerous situation."

Rescues pile up as highways close

Sedona Fire crews called in extra personnel for what they described as an excessive number of rescue operations on November 1. Several Arizona highways were closed by flooding, and officials warned drivers never to enter flooded roads, noting that a few inches of running water can sweep away a car. Sedona resident Michelle Grimm said she saw Oak Creek running perilously close to the underside of a pedestrian bridge near the center of town early Sunday. One couple trapped beside the creek bed needed helicopter rescue and at first feared their dog could not come with them.

Rivers still rising as officials urge high ground

The San Juan, Animas, Mancos, La Plata and Navajo rivers were flooding or under flood warnings. Officials urged residents to leave threatened areas immediately for higher ground, carrying medications, identification and emergency supplies, and not to return until an all-clear is issued. With rain expected through Monday night, forecasters told people in and around the southern San Juan mountains to have a plan and be ready to seek shelter or safer ground.