On Sunday, November 1, a powerful storm dumped heavy rains across the southwestern United States, prompting state authorities in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah to issue evacuation orders and warn residents of imminent flash flooding, officials said. The storm’s rainfall was concentrated in regions that are still recovering from recent devastating floods, raising concerns about potential rapid runoff.
The heavy precipitation hit an area whose dry ground was already saturated by previous devastating floods, making the region prone to rapid runoff and renewed flooding. Authorities described the land's condition as highly vulnerable, especially where soil had been washed out during earlier storms.
Steep canyons, narrow stream channels and wildfire‑affected areas could see flash flooding as the storm continues to deliver rainfall through Monday, the Weather Prediction Center warned. This warning underscored how burnt ground holds less water, increasing the likelihood of sudden surges.
The greatest risk is expected across parts of Arizona, southern Utah, southwestern Colorado and western New Mexico, authorities noted. Those areas have experienced significant damage in the past weeks, and recovery efforts remain ongoing.
Local officials have set up evacuation shelters and are urging residents in high‑risk zones to leave immediately and secure property. Emergency personnel also advised citizens to monitor water levels and be prepared for sudden rises.
Meteorologists say the threat of flash flooding will likely persist through Monday, as rain continues to fall on already saturated soils. They caution that these conditions may evolve into more widespread flooding later in the week.
The Saudi Press Agency reported these developments and noted that the region was still in the process of recovering from recent devastating floods, adding that the storm had exacerbated the risk. It emphasized that continued monitoring will be crucial as the weather system moves beyond the southwestern corridor.
