Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published November 2, 2026
Monday, November 2, 2026. Based on reports published through Sunday, November 1. Conditions were changing quickly and may have changed since.
Heavy rain set off flash flooding, river flooding and road closures across parts of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada over the weekend, and officials in at least two states ordered residents to leave their homes.
The latest round of rain began Saturday evening and was forecast to bring flash flooding to already saturated areas through Monday, according to the Associated Press. The National Weather Service estimated that up to 4 inches could fall across the region, driven by a series of Pacific storm systems. The National Weather Service issued flood watches for nearly all of Arizona, as well as parts of southern Utah, southwestern Colorado, western New Mexico and southern Nevada.
Arizona
The most extensive evacuations were reported in central and northern Arizona. In Sedona, officials issued mandatory “GO” orders on Sunday for evacuation zones 8, 9 and 10 along Oak Creek as the water rose quickly. At least 19 homes were evacuated, and Yavapai County officials said some homes had taken on three to four inches of water. Fire crews called in extra personnel to carry out water rescues, and AP reported that multiple people were trapped in their homes at one point.
Evacuation orders also covered parts of the Cedar Creek area, Queen Valley and Camp Verde. Local outlets reported orders in parts of Yavapai, Coconino, Gila and Pinal counties. Oak Creek was above flood stage at both Sedona and Cornville. Evacuees were directed to Sedona Red Rock High School, and the city opened a call center (928-679-8525) for information on evacuations, sandbags and road closures.
Several Arizona highways were closed because of high water. Interstate 17 closed during the flooding and later reopened, while some other highways remained closed with no estimated reopening time.
Colorado
In southwestern Colorado, officials in Pagosa Springs warned of potentially “catastrophic flooding” as the San Juan River was forecast to rise above 19 feet, with a crest expected around 11 p.m. Sunday. Mandatory evacuations were also reported in parts of Archuleta County, where Pagosa Springs is located.
Utah, New Mexico and Nevada
Weather forecasters identified Zion National Park in Utah, the canyonlands of southern Utah, and parts of northern New Mexico among the areas at risk of the heaviest rainfall and highest rainfall rates. A freight-industry report said drivers should expect possible ramp and road closures on Interstates 10 and 40 and on U.S. routes including Highway 550 in the Four Corners region. The sources reviewed did not detail specific evacuations in Utah, New Mexico or Nevada.
Background
The storms follow flooding about a week earlier that caused major damage in parts of Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah, leaving the ground saturated after 2 to 5 inches of rain. AP noted that the region had already seen deadly flooding this fall. Weather.com attributed the current rain to an atmospheric river, often called a “pineapple express,” and said such systems often fuel heavy rain in the West during strong El Niño winters.
What is not yet known
The sources reviewed did not report final river crest levels in Pagosa Springs, the full extent of damage, or any casualties from this weekend’s flooding. The National Weather Service advises people never to drive through flooded roads. Residents should check local emergency management and state transportation websites for current evacuation and road status.
