In brief
Heavy rains late Tuesday caused the Verde River to overflow in Sedona, Arizona, and the Green River to surge in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. At least 20 residents were displaced in Sedona and about 1,200 in Pagosa Springs as state and federal agencies mobilised emergency crews and closed key roads. Scientists linked the storms to a broader El Niño pattern and warned that such events could grow more frequent as climate change intensifies extremes.
Late Tuesday’s torrential downpours across the southwestern United States turned the Verde River into a wall of water in Sedona, Arizona, and elevated the Green River in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, prompting state officials to order evacuations and close highways.
In Sedona, the floodwaters rose rapidly along Oak Creek, flooding historic downtown streets and trapping residents. Arizona County officials reported that at least 20 people were displaced overnight and that emergency crews from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were dispatched to assist.
Across the state line, heavy rain triggered a sudden rise in the Green River, forcing the Colorado Department of Transportation to shut down several main roads. About 1,200 residents of Pagosa Springs were evacuated as rescue teams worked to guide people from low‑lying areas and to maintain access to emergency shelters.
Urgent Response and Climate Context
Both Arizona and Colorado officials urged residents to stay away from riverbanks and not to drive through flooded roads, warning that the high‑water conditions still pose risks. Evacuation centers were set up in community halls and schools, although several homes were reported damaged by the surge.
Weather scientists observed that the storms were part of a larger pattern linked to the El Niño cycle and a weak high‑pressure ridge over the Great Basin. The increased precipitation intensity was noted by meteorologists, and scientists caution that flash floods such as these could become more frequent as climate change amplifies extreme weather events in the region.
State and federal agencies coordinated relief efforts, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers providing emergency crews and the Colorado Department of Transportation facilitating road closures. National and local relief agencies continue to monitor river levels and are preparing to respond to rising water if conditions worsen.
Residents in both towns are advised to stay tuned to local news for updates, keep away from flood-prone areas until the water recedes, and seek shelter at designated emergency facilities if they have been evacuated.
