Southwest floods force evacuations; New Mexico governor seeks federal disaster aid
The gist
New Mexico's governor asked Trump for a major disaster declaration after floods displaced up to 3,000 residents.
At least 1,500 homes were damaged across San Juan County.
How it unfolded
- Oct 23, 2026Flooding damaged a shoulder and travel lane on US 550 north of Silverton, Colorado, and floodwaters rose from the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs.
- Nov 1, 2026Pagosa Springs officials warned of potentially catastrophic flooding as the San Juan River was forecast to crest above 19 feet around 11 p.m. Sunday.
- Nov 2, 2026A flash flood emergency hit Florida, two people died in Arizona and rainfall swept bridges away in Colorado; New Mexico ordered evacuations within half a mile of the Animas, La Plata and San Juan rivers and in Chama.
Key terms
- major disaster declaration
- A formal U.S. federal designation that releases federal aid and resources to a state or area hit by a severe disaster.
- National Weather Service
- A U.S. federal agency that provides weather forecasts, warnings, and other weather information to the public.
- flash flood emergency
- A severe weather alert issued when a sudden, violent flood is imminent or already occurring in an area.
Source: Wikipedia