Flood Evacuations in Arizona, Colorado as Rivers Rise

Heavy rain triggered evacuation orders in Arizona and southwestern Colorado on Sunday, as officials in Pagosa Springs warned that the San Juan River could rise above levels recorded during the town’s devastating 1911 flood. Residents in low-lying areas were urged to leave before conditions worsened and emergency crews’ ability to respond became limited, authorities said. Archuleta County officials told people near the San Juan, Rio Blanco, Navajo and Piedra rivers to evacuate. The county sheriff’s office warned that rescue crews might not be able to reach people during the worst of the storm, and helicopters could be grounded. Officials said rescue teams and equipment were being positioned in high-risk areas. Forecasts for the river changed during the reporting period. An earlier warning put the expected crest at 19.71 feet around 11 p.m. Sunday, while later reporting said officials forecast a level above 20 feet. The sheriff’s office said the river reached approximately 17.8 feet during the 1911 flood. The reports did not establish the river’s eventual crest. In Sedona, Arizona, officials ordered evacuations near Oak Creek as rising water trapped residents in homes. By Sunday...