Severe flooding in the Four Corners region of the United States on Friday has led to water rescues, including some from rooftops, and prompted evacuation orders for residents in low-lying areas of Colorado and New Mexico. Authorities have advised others to shelter in place until water levels decrease.
Context
The flooding follows several days of heavy rain that inundated dozens of homes in Utah. Earlier in the week, tornadoes caused significant damage in Arizona, blowing off roofs, toppling trees onto houses, and downing power lines. At least one person has been reported injured due to the severe weather.
Developments
An unknown number of people were rescued overnight, with operations continuing on Friday by New Mexico guard boats, helicopters, and amphibious vehicles. Devin Neeley, a spokesperson for San Juan County, stated:
“"We’re picking people off of roofs and pulling people out of houses that have 3 or 4ft (1-1.5 metres) of water in them, and there’s more water coming."
Despite clearing skies, rivers continue to rise, surpassing forecast crests. Neeley added:
“"This is serious. We’re still sending deputies as I speak to get people out of their homes right now. In fact, our sheriff is damn near going to lose his home today."
