Severe flash flooding triggers evacuations across the Southwest

Heavy rainfall triggered mandatory evacuation orders and emergency rescues across parts of the U.S. Southwest over the weekend, as a series of Pacific storm systems brought significant precipitation to the region. The weather event began on the evening of Oct. 31, 2026, and continued through the following days.

In Colorado, the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning regarding potentially catastrophic flooding in Pagosa Springs. Officials stated that the San Juan River was forecast to crest at more than 20 feet late on Nov. 1, 2026. Authorities noted that this level exceeds the 17.8-foot crest recorded during the 1911 flood, which caused extensive damage to the town.

Arizona experienced widespread impacts, with mandatory evacuations ordered in Sedona for residents near Oak Creek following reports of individuals trapped in their homes. Additional evacuation orders were issued for Camp Verde, near the Verde River, West Clear Creek, and Wet Beaver Creek, as well as for the community of Gisela in Gila County.

Emergency response efforts remained active across the region. In Tucson, authorities conducted swift boat rescues, while officials in Flagstaff were searching for a man reported to have fallen into floodwaters. Luke Willson, a resident involved in flood mitigation efforts at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Flagstaff, noted that current pumping operations were struggling to keep pace with the water levels.

The National Weather Service estimated that the region could receive up to 4 inches of rain. Aaron Hardin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Tucson, described the intensity of the storm by noting that some areas were receiving two to three months of rain within a span of a couple of days. The region is expected to remain saturated through Nov. 2, 2026.