MINERAL, CO; Rio Grande, CO; Saguache, CO — Heavy rainfall is causing flooding along the South Fork of the Rio Grande, which is forecast to crest at 9.2 feet around 1 AM tonight. If you live near the South Fork of the Rio Grande, and the main stem of the Rio Grande, take precautions to protect life and property from flooding.
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues.
* WHERE...Southwestern Saguache, Central Mineral and Western Rio Grande Counties...
* WHEN...Until 1015 PM MDT.
* IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Several structures are flooded and some sand bagging operations are continuing. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from continued rainfall.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 552 PM MDT, South Fork Fire and Colorado State Patrol report continued rainfall across the warned area. - Water is currently near Highway 160 at Wolf Creek Ranch at mile marker 177. Several homes are also being flooded in the South Fork area. The river gauge on the south fork of the Rio Grande (SRGC2) is rapidly rising, and forecast to crest at 9.2 feet by 1 AM tonight, and slowly fall during the overnight hours. The main stem of the Rio Grande will likely run high down toward Del Norte. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Del Norte, South Fork, Wagon Wheel Gap, Wolf Creek Pass and Creede. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flooding in Mineral, CO; Rio Grande, CO; Saguache, CO can cut off roads with little warning, damage homes near low-lying areas, and disrupt power and water service. Even a few inches of moving water can carry away a vehicle.
This report is based on information from NWS, monitored by Alert USA's verified emergency feed.
Alert USA anticipates a high chance of travel disruptions, elevated property risk in low-lying areas, and possible power outages while the event is active.
Recommended steps: avoid flooded roads — turn around, don't drown; move to higher ground if you are in a low-lying area; charge phones and prepare for power loss; check on family and neighbors.
Alert USA is tracking this flood event and will update this report as verified information becomes available.
Verified by Alert USA • NWS