Evacuations and Water Rescues: Four Corners Region Faces Flood Threats Following Days of Heavy Rain
More rain threatens the Southwest
CBS News meteorologist Andrew Kozak said repeated downpours and storms could cause flooding on roads, in small streams, narrow canyons and burn scars. Rain was expected to spread across the central and northern Plains Sunday night, then move toward the Upper Midwest on Monday and Tuesday.
Floodwaters leave contaminated debris
San Juan County spokesperson Devin Neeley said the county had no official totals for home damage or the number of people evacuated. He was not aware of any deaths.
Neeley said water levels were falling, but mud and silt remained, much of it contaminated with sewage after waste plants failed. Power outages continued in multiple areas, and restoring service could take a few days.
Residents describe flood damage
Video from Pagosa Springs showed water surging through a neighborhood. Resident Chris Mott said the flood had moved sandbags and was larger than an earlier event. Neeley described the situation as an active disaster zone and said the county was not yet on the downswing.
Key points
- The Southwest braced Sunday for another round of potentially heavy rain and thunderstorms.
- Flooding could affect roads, small streams, narrow canyons and burn scars.
- San Juan County had no official figures for damaged homes or evacuations.
- Sewage-contaminated mud and ongoing power outages remained concerns.