Tropical Storm Priscilla's Remnants Cause Flooding and Evacuations in Colorado

The remnants of Tropical Storm Priscilla have caused significant flooding across parts of the Southwest, leading to evacuations in southwestern Colorado. In Vallecito Creek, nearly 400 homes were ordered to evacuate north of a reservoir located 15 miles from Durango. The Upper Pine River Fire Protection District advised residents to avoid bridges due to debris being washed downstream. Bayfield High School was opened to accommodate evacuees.

Floodwaters surpassed control systems established after inundations nearly two decades ago. Water levels were expected to peak Saturday night, with additional heavy rain forecasted for Monday and Tuesday.

Debby McCall, general manager of Blue Spruce RV Park & Cabins, noted the unprecedented water levels, stating, "I've never seen this much water come down. It's just absolutely insane." She also observed unusual debris, mentioning, "I've been seeing hot tubs floating down the river." Crews have been sandbagging the park to protect its septic systems from flooding.

In southern Utah, flooding affected roads and basements, with firefighters in Washington City rescuing a person and their dog from a car caught in floodwater. The rainfall originated from the remnants of Tropical Storm Priscilla, which began moving inland over California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico on Thursday. The moisture is also expected to bring high-elevation snow in the coming days.