Heavy rainfall beginning on Wednesday has triggered widespread flooding across the Four Corners region, affecting parts of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. The precipitation, stemming from the remnants of Hurricane Trudy and slow-moving low-pressure systems, has dumped between two and four inches of rain in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah, with higher elevations receiving up to six inches. These rainfall totals represent record amounts for the affected areas, according to meteorologists.
The flooding has prompted emergency responses across multiple jurisdictions. San Juan County, New Mexico, declared an emergency as floodwaters inundated homes and forced sewage into the San Juan River. Colorado Governor Jared Polis declared disaster emergencies for 11 counties and authorized National Guard deployment for rescue operations. Hurricane, Utah issued an emergency declaration after floodwaters damaged more than 100 homes and recreational vehicles. The Hopi Tribe in northeastern Arizona declared a state of emergency due to infrastructure damage, while Navajo Nation authorities rescued 30 people from flooded homes. Mandatory evacuations have been issued in vulnerable areas across the region.
Forecast conditions indicate the danger will persist through the weekend, with thunderstorm watches remaining active in the same areas through Sunday. Meteorologists note that while severe thunderstorms are typical for the region during this time of year, similar major flooding occurred in the same locations the previous year. Climate scientists attribute the extreme precipitation to warm ocean waters off the West Coast, driven by strong El Niño conditions and preexisting marine heat waves, which have created atmospheric moisture conducive to severe storm development. Officials have urged residents to follow evacuation orders and monitor emergency guidance as the situation develops.
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