Southwest faces historic flooding as San Juan River nears 19.71 feet

Heavy rains have caused severe flooding across southwestern Colorado, forcing evacuations and damaging roads, bridges, homes and public infrastructure. Officials warn another potentially catastrophic storm could push the San Juan River to historic levels as communities recover from last week’s floods.

Residents in low-lying areas along the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo and Piedra rivers should leave immediately, the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday morning. People should not wait for water to rise or for another warning.

“This is a potentially catastrophic flood event. Extensive damage is expected.”

The San Juan River through Pagosa Springs could crest at 19.71 feet around 11 p.m., nearly 2 feet higher than the 1911 flood that crested at 17.8 feet and destroyed much of the town. Extensive damage is expected.

In Arizona, officials ordered residents near Oak Creek in Sedona to evacuate immediately as flood waters rose rapidly and multiple people were trapped in their homes. Camp Verde also issued an evacuation order for residents near the Verde River, West Clear Creek and Wet Beaver Creek.

Arizona could receive two to three months’ worth of rain in a couple of days, according to a National Weather Service meteorologist in Tucson. The latest round of soaking rains began Saturday evening and could bring up to 4 inches of rain across the region through Monday.

First responders are stationing resources in high-risk areas and requesting additional ground search-and-rescue teams, Colorado National Guard equipment, aircraft and specialized rescue teams. Officials say response ability will be extremely limited during the worst of the storm, with helicopters grounded until conditions improve.

Flood watches have been issued for nearly all of Arizona and parts of southern Utah, southwestern Colorado, western New Mexico and part of southern Nevada.