Severe Flooding Strikes Four Corners Region; Evacuations Ongoing
Floodwaters have devastated communities across the Four Corners region as heavy rains continue to threaten lives and property.
At a glance
- Brown floodwaters have inundated homes and roads across New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona since Wednesday.
- Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared disaster emergencies for 11 counties, while Utah Governor Spencer Cox urged residents to follow evacuation orders.
- Climate scientists link the extreme rainfall to an El Niño event and record-warm ocean waters, warning threats may persist through Sunday.
Flooding Devastates Four Corners Region
Severe flooding has hit the Four Corners region—spanning New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Arizona—since Wednesday, forcing evacuations and damaging over 100 homes. Brown rainwaters have inundated low-lying areas, forcing sewage into rivers and creating dangerous conditions for residents.
### San Juan County, New Mexico Under Siege
In San Juan County, public information officer Devin Neeley described the situation as surreal. "We have not seen flooding like this in generations," he said. Emergency responders rescued people from roofs after floodwater swept through their properties. The county issued an emergency declaration Thursday afternoon, and residents in susceptible areas were ordered to evacuate.
### Western States Suffering
Southern Utah, southwest Colorado, and northern Arizona and New Mexico were drenched with heavy rainfall. In Farmington, New Mexico, Police Chief Steve Hebbe stated, "This is singular and this is real." Fortunately, no deaths have been reported so far, though officials warn the danger is serious.
Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah wrote on X: "Our hearts are with the families whose homes and livelihoods have been impacted." The southern Utah city issued an emergency declaration after damaging more than 100 homes and RVs.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared disaster emergencies for 11 counties and authorized National Guard assistance. The Navajo Nation police rescued seven families and 30 people from flooded homes. Meanwhile, the Hopi Tribe in northeastern Arizona declared a state of emergency.
### Weather Context
Meteorologist Kris Sanders explained that remnants of Hurricane Trudy formed a slow-moving low-pressure system that brought intense rainfall. Portions of southwest Colorado and southeast Utah received two to four inches, while higher elevations like the San Juan Mountains saw up to six inches. These record-driven amounts contributed to small creeks and streams overflowing.
Climate scientist Daniel Swain linked the extreme weather to an El Niño event and a preexisting marine heat wave. He noted these storms typically occur in late summer/fall and predicted similar events earlier this year. Thunderstorm watches remain active through Sunday.
Source: NPR News
Questions and answers
- What caused the flooding in the Four Corners region?
- Rare, heavy rainfall from remnants of Hurricane Trudy led to severe brown-colored floodwaters across the area.
- How many homes were damaged by the floods?
- Over 100 homes were damaged in southern Utah, southwest Colorado, and northern Arizona and New Mexico.
