The National Weather Service issued a flood watch Sunday for much of the Four Corners region—where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet—as the Southwest U.S. braces for another round of heavy showers and thunderstorms. Days of relentless rain have already forced evacuations and water rescues across the area, with officials warning that renewed flooding could threaten roads, small streams, and burn-scarred terrain.
Local authorities reported that swollen rivers, including the San Juan River and Animas River, are gradually receding but continue to pose risks. The San Juan River Bridge remains closed, and footage from Pagosa Springs, Colorado, showed floodwaters inundating homes, with one resident describing the event as "bigger than the last one." In San Juan County, New Mexico, Sheriff Shane Ferrari’s home was flooded with about 4 feet of water, though he described the situation as stable. Authorities have not yet released official damage assessments or evacuation totals, but no fatalities have been reported.
The flooding follows two months of intermittent heavy rain linked to tropical moisture from the Pacific, which has alternated between drought conditions and deadly floods in recent weeks. The Grand Canyon and parts of New Mexico have also experienced severe flooding in recent months.
Immediate Impacts
Floodwaters have left behind mud, silt, and sewage contamination due to failures at waste treatment plants, while power outages persist in multiple areas. Officials estimate it may take several days for residents to regain electricity. The Fun Valley Family Resort campground and RV park in South Fork, Colorado, was also submerged, with trailers surrounded by floodwaters.
Ongoing Risks
The National Weather Service warned that additional rainfall could further flood roads, narrow canyons, and burn scars. Forecasts indicate the storm system will expand across the central and northern Plains Sunday night before moving toward the Upper Midwest by Monday and Tuesday. The Colorado Department of Transportation reported significant increases in water flow overnight along the San Juan River.
Cleanup and Recovery Efforts
San Juan County spokesperson Devin Neeley stated that while floodwaters are receding, cleanup efforts are hampered by contaminated debris and infrastructure damage. The county has not yet quantified the full extent of property damage or evacuations. Sheriff Ferrari and other residents are focused on removing debris and restoring basic services as conditions allow.
Broader Context
The recent flooding marks the latest in a series of extreme weather events across the Southwest, following months of drought and intermittent heavy rainfall. The Four Corners region, known for its arid climate, has faced repeated cycles of flooding and recovery, with officials urging continued vigilance as the storm system evolves.