Severe flooding in the Four Corners region on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, led to water rescues and impassable roads across parts of Colorado and New Mexico. Some residents were urged to evacuate low-lying areas while others were warned to remain in place until water levels subside.
In Farmington, N.M., city spokesperson Gina Intoppa stated that approximately 600 households were told to evacuate. San Juan County spokesman Devin Neeley reported that rescuers have been picking people off rooftops and pulling residents from houses containing three to four feet of water. Neeley noted that more water is expected to arrive and described the situation as serious.
The flooding in southern Colorado has been more severe than forecasted, with water levels on the San Juan River reaching three feet higher than a 100-year flood occurred only one year ago. Archuleta County Sheriff Mike Le Roux reported that rescuers used a state helicopter to attempt to reach two people and three dogs stranded in a partially submerged motor home. In Rio Grande County, flooding surrounded trailers at a campground and partially submerged trucks.
Navajo Nation Deputy Police Chief Donnie Kee urged residents downstream to prepare for floodwaters expected to peak late Friday or early Saturday. Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe described the surge as a once in a generation event and noted that the Animas River, a San Juan tributary, is bringing higher water from rain-soaked Colorado.
The crisis follows a week of severe weather that included rain swamping homes in Utah and tornadoes causing damage in Arizona. Colorado Governor Jared Polis has declared a disaster emergency in 11 counties. In the city of Hurricane, Utah, a shipping container drifted down a street, leaving mud and debris for cleanup. Damage to Utah 24 through Capitol Reef National Park has also been reported.
Forecasters indicated that the region could receive more heavy rain this weekend, with up to half an inch predicted for northwestern New Mexico. National Weather Service meteorologist Alex DeSmet stated that flood watches remain in effect into the weekend for Utah's southeast, where streams are running fast and high.
