Health & Safety
United States · Direct U.S. connection
Colorado's Conejos River Under Flood Warning Amid Widespread Flooding, Evacuations
Excessive rainfall has caused a Flood Warning for the Conejos River in southern Colorado. Widespread flooding has prompted ongoing evacuations, numerous road closures, and a state disaster emergency declaration.
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THE PRIMARY BRIEF
- 01 · The primary finding
A Flood Warning is in effect for areas along Colorado's Conejos River due to excessive rainfall, leading to widespread flooding, evacuations, and a state-level disaster declaration.
- 02 · The primary evidence
The NWS Pueblo CO issued a Flood Warning for the Conejos River until early October 24, with emergency management reporting ongoing flooding and evacuations. Homes along the Conejos River have experienced up to 7 feet of interior flooding, and Highway 17 remains closed. Governor Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency, which was amended to include Conejos County, activating state resources and the National Guard. Approximately 1,000 families have been evacuated.
- 03 · Why it matters
The ongoing flooding presents significant risks to public safety and property. It has necessitated evacuations, caused infrastructure closures, and prompted a comprehensive state emergency response to protect residents and manage the disaster.
A Flood Warning remains in effect for areas along the Conejos River in Colorado due to excessive rainfall. The National Weather Service (NWS) Pueblo CO issued a warning until 12:45 AM MDT on October 24. Earlier on October 23, NWS Pueblo CO also warned of ongoing flooding along the Conejos River and its tributaries, affecting communities like Conejos and Antonito. Emergency management reported continued flooding and evacuations as of October 23 at 10:28 PM MDT.
The Conejos River is expected to remain high, with elevated water levels in creeks and streams. Affected areas include Cumbres Pass, Platoro, Mogote, and parts of Western Conejos and Southwestern Rio Grande Counties. Several roads are closed due to flooding. Highway 17 between Antonito and Cumbres Pass is closed. Other safety closures on October 23 included CO 151 at Chimney Rock and a section of US 160 west of Pagosa Springs.
The severe rainfall has caused significant property damage. Homes along the Conejos River in the San Juan Mountains experienced up to 7 feet of interior flooding. Properties in the South Fork area saw water levels reach 4 to 5 feet. A bridge near the mountain town of South Fork was reported missing over Forest Service Road 380. The NWS Pueblo office noted ongoing major flooding along the South Fork Rio Grande near South Fork early on Friday, October 23.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency on Thursday evening, October 22, for multiple counties. On Friday, October 23, he amended this order to include Conejos County. This declaration activates the state's emergency operations plan and prepares the Colorado National Guard for evacuations and search and rescue efforts. Governor Polis stated on Friday afternoon that approximately 1,000 families had been evacuated. About 100 Coloradans were evacuated, and many remained stranded by floodwaters. The state is collaborating with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on flood response for tribal land.
A Colorado National Guard Black Hawk helicopter assisted in rescuing two people from an RV surrounded by floodwaters on Friday, October 23. This occurred after local rescue efforts were insufficient. The Town of Pagosa Springs declared a local disaster emergency on Thursday, October 22. The flood threat is projected to continue until early Sunday morning due to expected heavy rain.
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