Rescues and evacuations as severe flooding hits four corners region, with more expected through weekend

Floodwaters cross four states

Heavy rainfall began affecting the Four Corners region on Wednesday. By Thursday and Friday, floodwaters were rising quickly in parts of southern Utah, southwest Colorado, northern Arizona and northern New Mexico.

The flooding prompted road closures, mandatory evacuations and emergency declarations. In San Juan County, N.M., water entered homes in low-lying areas and pushed sewage into the San Juan River.

Rescues and emergency response

San Juan County emergency management public information officer Devin Neeley described the contrast between the clear sky and dangerous river conditions as “surreal.” Neeley said responders had rescued people from rooftops after water overwhelmed their homes. Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe said Friday that no deaths had been reported there so far, while cautioning residents not to underestimate the threat. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis declared disaster emergencies in 11 counties and authorized National Guard assistance with rescues in southwest Colorado.

Damage and rainfall conditions

Hurricane, Utah, declared an emergency Thursday after flooding damaged more than 100 homes and recreational vehicles. The Navajo Nation police department reported rescuing seven families, totaling 30 people, from flooded homes; the Hopi Tribe also declared an emergency after rain damaged infrastructure.

Meteorologist Kris Sanders said some areas of southwest Colorado and southeast Utah received two to four inches of rain, while higher elevations such as the San Juan Mountains received as much as six inches. The region’s terrain can contribute to flooding, and Sanders said heavy-rain storms commonly occur there at this time of year.