Record Rain Triggers Flooding, Evacuations Across Arizona and Colorado
A powerful storm system unleashed record-breaking rainfall across Arizona and southwestern Colorado over the weekend, prompting flash flooding, mandatory evacuations, and water rescues in a region unaccustomed to such extreme weather. Over 10 rivers, creeks, and washes have surged past major flood stage — the highest level — and a few have set new record crests, according to the National Weather Service. In Colorado, evacuations were ordered along the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs, a tourist town bracing for its main river to rise to historic levels. The river has now exceeded major flood stage for the second time in about 10 days, leaving weary residents to contend with yet another massive drenching.nnThe relentless rain forced authorities to act quickly. Leaving early was especially important because help might not reach people trapped during the worst weather, officials warned. Rescue crews worked tirelessly to assist those stranded by rising waters, and residents in low-lying areas were urged to evacuate promptly. The normally arid Southwest has been repeatedly battered by heavy precipitation in recent weeks, saturating the ground and pushing waterways to their limits. Meteorologist Brian Hurley of the National Weather Service in Maryland noted that the rain was expected to taper off across Arizona as the wet weather moved eastward into other parts of the country, where it could also bring significant precipitation.nnAs the system shifts east, damaging winds are the primary threat, but a few tornadoes are also possible. The storm’s impact is expected to reach the nation’s midsection just in time for Election Day. While the conditions will be much less serious on Election Day, they could still affect turnout in key races across the nation’s midsection. Key races in Iowa, Kansas, eastern Texas, and northern Michigan will deal with wet conditions, potentially complicating get-out-the-vote efforts. Election officials in those states are monitoring the situation and encouraging voters to plan ahead.nnThe repeated flooding has taken a toll on communities still recovering from previous storms. In Pagosa Springs, residents have been forced to evacuate twice in less than two weeks, and the historic crest of the San Juan River has left many wondering how much more they can endure. More heavy rainfall produced
Shimanta Das 
