Southwest U.S. Faces Additional Flood Threat as Heavy Rain Returns to Four Corners
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the Four Corners area as rivers remain high and officials continue rescue and recovery efforts after days of rain.
The National Weather Service placed much of the Four Corners region—where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah meet—under a flood watch on Sunday, warning that further heavy rain and thunderstorms could exacerbate recent flooding. Local authorities said rivers that rose sharply after rain began on Wednesday are still high, although water levels are beginning to recede.
San Juan County Sheriff Shane Ferrari reported that about one metre of water entered his home, describing the situation as stable while residents focus on cleanup and repairs. County spokesperson Devin Neeley said officials have not yet compiled official damage estimates or evacuation counts, but he is not aware of any fatalities.
Neeley added that receding floodwaters have left mud and silt, some of which is contaminated by sewage due to waste-water plant failures, and that power outages persist across several communities. He cautioned that full restoration of electricity could take several days.
“It’s a pretty active disaster zone. We’re not on the downswing by any means.”