In brief
On Tuesday, torrential rains flooded the Verde River in Sedona and the Green River in Pagosa Springs, prompting emergency evacuations. Authorities closed roads, called in rescue crews, and warned that flooding could continue. Residents are urged to stay away from low‑lying areas while relief efforts are underway.
Tuesday’s heavy rains caused flash flooding that forced people in Sedona, Arizona, and Pagosa Springs, Colorado, to leave their homes overnight. The floods broke the banks of the Verde River in Sedona and raised the Green River in Pagosa Springs to dangerous levels.
In Sedona, the Verde River overflowed and flooded streets in the historic downtown area. County officials reported that at least 20 people were displaced and that emergency crews from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were on the scene.
Across the state line, the sudden rise in the Green River forced the town of Pagosa Springs to evacuate about 1,200 residents. The Colorado Department of Transportation said that several key roads were closed and that rescue and transportation efforts were ongoing.
Both Arizona and Colorado officials warned that people should not drive or cross any roadways during the high‑water conditions. Emergency responders urged residents away from riverbanks and low‑lying areas until the water level recedes.
Meteorologists said the storms were part of a larger pattern related to the El Niño cycle and a weak high‑pressure ridge over the Great Basin. Climate scientists warn that more extreme flooding could become common as climate change increases the intensity of such weather events.
Officials at a later beat stated that the flooding could continue, and they urged residents to stay away from affected areas and monitor local news for updates.
Many people remain without shelter, and several homes were damaged during the floods. State and federal agencies coordinate relief and shelter efforts.
Residents who were forced to evacuate are advised to keep abreast of emergency alerts and follow instructions from local authorities until the rivers return to normal levels.
