Destructive Flash Floods in Southwest Force Evacuations Across Arizona and Colorado

Flash floods in southwest Arizona and Colorado triggered emergency evacuations on Sunday, November 1, as heavy rain caused rivers and creeks to rise rapidly. Authorities carried out rescues in affected communities, while forecasters warned that more rainfall could worsen flooding across the region.

Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in Southwest

Flash Floods in Southwest Force Evacuations Across Arizona

Heavy rainfall brought dangerous flooding to several parts of Arizona on Sunday, forcing residents to leave their homes as rivers and creeks overflowed.

In Sedona, officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for neighborhoods near Oak Creek after rapidly rising water trapped multiple residents inside their homes. 

Emergency crews from nearby communities joined local firefighters and police officers to assist with rescue operations. 

Residents were directed to seek shelter at Sedona Red Rock High School.

Similar evacuation orders affected areas near swollen waterways in Yavapai County and Camp Verde. 

In Gila County, authorities ordered a full evacuation of Gisela, a small community along Tonto Creek.

Flooding also disrupted daily activities in other parts of the state. In Tucson, swift-water rescue teams responded to vehicles caught in floodwaters. 

Meanwhile, heavy rain overwhelmed drainage systems and flooded roads in Flagstaff, prompting officials to close several streets.

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that repeated rainfall could keep waterways elevated even after the heaviest downpours ended.

A flooded road in Flagstaff, Arizona (Photo: Felicia Fonseca/AP News)

Check live precipitation radar and rainfall patterns for Sedona on GoWeatherRadar to monitor approaching rain and changing conditions around Oak Creek.

San Juan River Poses Historic Flood Threat to Pagosa Springs

In southwestern Colorado, Pagosa Springs faced another serious flood emergency as the San Juan River continued rising. 

Local officials warned of potentially catastrophic conditions, with the river forecast to reach more than 19 feet (5.8 meters) late Sunday.

That level would exceed the approximately 17.8-foot (5.4-meter) crest recorded during the devastating 1911 flood, which destroyed much of the town at the time.

Authorities urged residents in low-lying areas along the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo and Piedra rivers to evacuate immediately. 

An emergency shelter was designated at a local church, while the highway into Pagosa Springs was scheduled to close to inbound traffic.

Officials also cautioned that emergency response resources could become limited during the worst flooding. 

Residents were advised to leave early rather than wait for water levels to rise further.

The danger extended beyond rising river levels. 

Authorities warned people to avoid contact with the San Juan River after sewage entered the water, creating an additional public health concern.

More Pacific Storms Could Extend Flooding Across the Four Corners

The flood threat was expected to remain elevated as additional Pacific storm systems brought moisture into the Southwest. 

According to the NWS, some locations could receive up to 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain through Monday, November 2.

Flood watches covered nearly all of Arizona, along with parts of southern Utah, southwestern Colorado, western New Mexico and southern Nevada. 

The Four Corners region remained particularly vulnerable because recent storms had already left the ground saturated.

With limited capacity to absorb additional rainfall, more water could flow rapidly into rivers, creeks and drainage channels. 

This increases the risk of flash flooding, especially in low-lying neighborhoods and areas prone to runoff.

Flood warnings issued for nearly all of Arizona

The NWS also warned that excessive runoff could make backcountry roads impassable, particularly around flood-prone areas and national parks.

Residents should continue following local emergency alerts, avoid flooded roads and stay away from riverbanks and drainage channels. 

Drivers should never attempt to cross moving water, even when the road surface appears shallow.

Although rainfall may ease in some locations, the combination of saturated ground and additional storms could prolong dangerous conditions across the Southwest.

References

1. AP News

2. ABC News

3. WJTV