Severe Storms and Flooding Threaten Plains and Southwest: Record Creek Levels, Evacuations, and Election Day Impact
Residents across the Plains and Southwest are bracing for severe storms and flooding as a powerful system continues to batter the region. In Colorado, the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs has surged past major flood stage for the second time in about 10 days, prompting evacuations. The creek has reached a record level, raising concerns about major flooding. Archuleta County as a whole is also experiencing significant and historic flooding, with rivers rising and more rainfall expected. Over 10 rivers, creeks, and washes in Arizona and southwest Colorado have now surged past major flood stage — the highest level — and a few have set new record crests. Flood watches remain in effect on Sunday across much of Arizona, portions of southern Utah, southwestern Colorado, northwestern New Mexico, and southern Nevada.
While flooding and mountain snow remain major concerns across the Southwest, the storm is expected to shift east of the Rockies on Monday, bringing a renewed threat of severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, and heavy rain to the Central and Southern Plains. The main threat will be damaging straight-line winds, but a few tornadoes could still develop. The conditions will be much less serious on Election Day but 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. Damaging winds are the primary threat, but a few tornadoes are also possible.
As the storm system moves east, the focus shifts to the potential for severe weather on Monday. The Central and Southern Plains should prepare for damaging winds and heavy rain, with isolated tornadoes possible. Flood watches remain in effect on Sunday across much of Arizona, portions of southern Utah, southwestern Colorado, northwestern New Mexico, and southern Nevada. Residents in these areas should stay informed and be ready to act if warnings are issued. The historic flooding in Archuleta County and the record creek levels are a stark reminder of the power of these storms.
Looking ahead to Election Day, the weather will be much less severe but could still impact voter turnout in key races across the Midwest and Plains. Key races in Iowa, Kansas, eastern Texas, and northern Michigan will
Shimanta Das 
