Severe flooding forces evacuations across Southwest

Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and forced evacuations across the Southwest on Sunday, threatening communities in Arizona and Colorado.

In Pagosa Springs, Colorado, officials warned of potentially catastrophic flooding as the San Juan River was expected to reach nearly 22 feet, exceeding the level recorded during a devastating 1911 flood. Authorities closed roads and urged residents in low-lying areas to move.

Arizona also faced severe flooding, with mandatory evacuation orders in Sedona, Camp Verde and Gisela.

Rising waters trapped people in homes, while rescue teams carried out helicopter and boat operations. Several highways and local roads are closed because of flooding.

Meteorologists said some areas received two to three months' worth of rain within days. The National Weather Service warned that further downpours could continue through Monday, raising the risk of additional flooding across the Four Corners region.