Four Corners region faces renewed storm threats after historic San Juan River flooding

Key points

• The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for much of the Four Corners region, including parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, following days of heavy rain.
• Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham reported hundreds of water rescues between Farmington and Bloomfield, New Mexico, and urged residents to evacuate if ordered to do so.
• The San Juan River in Farmington reached 2 feet above its previous record high set in 1909, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
• Officials in San Juan County reported no deaths but noted ongoing issues with sewage-contaminated silt, power outages, and the need for cleanup efforts.
• The flooding is part of a broader pattern of heavy rain in the region over the past two months, following a period of drought, and has caused multi-million-dollar damage.

Background

This event follows a series of severe weather events in the US south-west over the past few months. In late October 2026, Southern California faced significant rain and flooding risks, particularly in areas affected by recent wildfires. Earlier in October, San Diego experienced a cold Pacific storm that brought rain and cooler temperatures after a period of dry, windy conditions. In September, Minnesota also faced heavy rain and potential flooding. The current flooding in the Four Corners region is part of a broader pattern of on-and-off heavy rain caused by tropical moisture from the Pacific, which has followed a period of drought in the region.

Why it matters

The flooding in the Four Corners region highlights the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events in the US south-west. The region has experienced a pattern of heavy rain following a period of drought, leading to significant damage and disruption. The ongoing risks, including sewage contamination and power outages, underscore the challenges faced by communities in recovering from such events. The response by local and state officials, including evacuations and emergency declarations, reflects the urgent need for effective disaster management and infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change.

What to watch

The National Weather Service expects another round of heavy showers and thunderstorms to hit the south-west US on Sunday. Local officials are forecasting further receding of swollen rivers, but the region remains a disaster zone with ongoing cleanup efforts. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is preparing a federal Emergency Disaster Declaration to support recovery efforts. Residents are advised to stay alert to weather updates and follow evacuation orders if issued. The focus remains on saving lives and ensuring the safety of affected communities as water levels recede and cleanup efforts continue.