Severe flooding in the Four Corners region has forced rooftop rescues and mandatory evacuations as rivers crest at historic levels. Emergency responders in New Mexico and Colorado reported ongoing water rescues Friday, with officials warning of continued danger despite clearing skies.
Rivers exceed 100-year flood levels in parts of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico, submerging homes and prompting evacuations for 600 households in Farmington, N.M. alone. In San Juan County, N.M., emergency crews used boats, helicopters, and amphibious vehicles to rescue residents stranded by floodwaters reaching 3 to 4 feet in some homes. The San Juan River has surpassed forecast crests, with officials calling the flooding “historic” and unprecedented in generations.
Immediate Impact & Official Responses
Emergency declarations remain in effect across four states—New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona—after rare, heavy rainfall began Wednesday. In Farmington, the largest city in the Four Corners, authorities closed off areas along the San Juan River and advised residents in low-lying zones to evacuate. City spokesperson Gina Intoppa described the response as “all hands on deck,” with deputies actively evacuating homes.
In San Juan County, emergency management officer Devin Neeley reported that rescuers were still pulling people from flooded homes Friday afternoon, including a sheriff whose residence was at risk. “We’re picking people off of roofs and pulling people out of houses that have 3 or 4 feet of water in them,” Neeley said. “We have not seen flooding like this in generations.”
Gov. Spencer Cox of Utah issued a statement Thursday expressing support for affected families, urging residents to follow evacuation orders. Meanwhile, Archuleta County, Colo., reported two stranded individuals in a motorhome, with a state helicopter attempting to reach them.
Wider Disruptions & Regional Fallout
The flooding has disrupted transportation and infrastructure, with impassable roads reported in multiple areas. In Hurricane, Utah, social media posts showed brown floodwaters inundating streets, prompting local warnings. Earlier in the week, Arizona faced separate severe weather, including tornadoes that damaged homes and downed power lines, injuring at least one person.
At Fun Valley Family Resort in South Fork, Colo., floodwaters surrounded trailers and RVs, forcing evacuations. The San Juan River in southern Colorado has risen to levels 1 meter higher than a 100-year flood recorded just a year ago, according to emergency officials.
Rescuers in New Mexico continued operations overnight, with the New Mexico National Guard deploying boats and helicopters. “This is serious,” Neeley said. “We’re still sending deputies as I speak to get people out of their homes right now.”
Ongoing Risks & Forecasts
While skies have cleared in some areas, rivers remain swollen, and forecasters warn of additional water surges downstream. The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings for low-lying regions, emphasizing that the crisis is far from over. Emergency officials urged residents to stay alert and heed evacuation notices, noting that floodwaters could persist for days.
The Four Corners region, where the borders of four states converge, has become a focal point for coordinated disaster response. Local governments are coordinating with state and federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), though no requests for federal aid have been announced as of Friday evening.