Over 24 Million Under Flood Threat as Remnants of Hurricane Polo Soak the Southwest and Plains

• by Shimanta Das
• October 1, 2026

More than 24 million people are under flood alerts across the Southwest and Southern Plains as a complex weather system, fueled by the remnants of Hurricane Polo, continues to drench the region. The National Weather Service Prediction Center warns of a “significant flash flood threat across the Four Corners Region eastward into the Central Plains.” Major cities in the path include Austin, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Omaha, and even Chicago, where the system is expected to bring heavy rain in the coming days.

The flood threat stems from a combination of historic moisture from Polo and a plunging jet stream, which is spreading tropical downpours northeastward from Mexico. “This storm has a lot of characteristics of a tropical rainstorm and at times will have heavy rainfall rates that could create significant flash flooding risks,” said meteorologist Roys. The National Weather Service also noted that enhanced moisture could produce locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding, with Phoenix remaining under a flood watch through Wednesday. Authorities urge residents to “remain out of the arroyos, especially in our urban areas,” as fast-moving water can quickly become deadly.

Meanwhile, another major storm, Hurricane Nolo, passed near Hawaii’s Big Island over the weekend, bringing heavy rain and winds to the state. Although Nolo has moved on, its impact highlights an active tropical season. Interestingly, NOAA had initially expected El Niño to suppress Atlantic activity, maintaining a below-normal seasonal outlook in its August update. Yet the current situation proves that even a quieter season can produce dangerous, widespread flooding.

In Arizona, the Bureau of Land Management reported significant flooding and damage to access roads in a national conservation area and a sand dunes recreation area in the southeastern part of the state. As the system continues to move east, residents across the affected regions should stay informed, heed local warnings, and avoid traveling through flooded roadways. With more rain in the forecast, the risk of flash flooding remains high, and preparedness is key to staying safe.