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Four Corners flooding prompts rooftop rescues and evacuations
The Associated Press reports severe flooding Friday in the Four Corners region led to water rescues, road closures and evacuation orders in Colorado and New Mexico.
Based on reporting by The Philadelphia Inquirer
Wire reporting: (AP, via The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Severe flooding across the Four Corners on Friday led to rooftop water rescues, closed roads and evacuation orders in Colorado and New Mexico, according to the Associated Press1.
The AP said the flooding followed about two months of heavy rain after a dry summer where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet, with about 4 inches since Wednesday and more rain possible over the weekend1.
Hundreds along the San Juan River in Farmington, New Mexico, were told to leave, the AP reported, citing city spokesperson Gina Intoppa as saying about 600 households received evacuation notices1.
San Juan County spokesperson Devin Neeley told the AP that New Mexico National Guard boats, helicopters and amphibious vehicles were used Thursday night and Friday to reach people, including some taken from roofs1.
Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe said additional water was expected on the Animas River, a San Juan tributary, and described the episode as a once-in-a-generation event, the AP reported1.
Navajo Nation Deputy Police Chief Donnie Kee urged residents not to delay leaving, with floodwaters not expected to peak until late Friday or early Saturday, according to the AP1.
In southern Colorado, the AP said flooding on the San Juan River ran higher than a 100-year flood a year earlier, and Colorado National Guard crews lifted two people and three dogs from a partly submerged recreational vehicle in Archuleta County1.
Archuleta County Sheriff Mike Le Roux told the AP he was not aware of deaths or serious injuries, while Colorado Gov. Jared Polis had declared a disaster emergency in 11 counties1.
National Weather Service meteorologist Alex DeSmet said flood watches continued into the weekend in southeastern Utah, the AP reported, tying the moisture to remnants of Pacific tropical systems1.
