Last night, Gov. Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to flooding in La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma, Dolores, Hinsdale, San Miguel, Ouray, San Juan, Mineral, Alamosa, and Rio Grande counties in Southwest Colorado.
Today, Polis amended his verbal order to also include Conejos County. Approximately 100 Coloradans are evacuated, and many Coloradans are stranded in their homes due to surrounding floodwaters. The state is coordinating in partnership with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe to respond to flooding impacts on their land.
“Thank you to the brave first responders and emergency managers who are working around the clock to get Coloradans to safety and help communities escape this dangerous flooding. First responders have tirelessly spent the day rescuing Coloradans stranded due to the flooding and helping people safely evacuate. Last night I declared a verbal disaster emergency to unlock state resources to assist, including authorizing unarmed members of the Colorado National Guard. Today I am amending that verbal order to include Conejos County. I urge Coloradans in Southwest Colorado to follow emergency orders and ensure you prioritize your and your family’s safety,” said Polis.
The State Emergency Operations Center is closely coordinating the state's response. Members of the Colorado Search and Rescue groups have been deployed, the Department of Natural Resources is supporting swiftwater rescue, Division of Fire Prevention and Control helicopters are assisting people stranded due to flooding, and Colorado State Patrol troopers and four Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management area field managers are providing direct support to local emergency operations centers and shelters. The Colorado National Guard is assisting with swift water rescues and search efforts.
The Colorado Department of Transportation is closely monitoring road damage and managing the following road closures:
U.S. 550 (mile points 75 to 80.2) Red Mountain Pass between Silverton and Ouray, one lane open alternating directions.
U.S. 160 both directions (MP 133 to 136.8) just west of Pagosa Springs from Deer Trail to Elk Canyon Ranch Road/Hersch Ave.
U.S. 160 both directions (MP 157 to 183) Wolf Creek Pass from the west side of the pass at Treasure Falls chain up station to South Fork.
Colo. 17 both directions (MP 0 to 38) Cumbres and La Manga Passes, from the New Mexico state line to Antonito.
Colo. 151 both directions (MP 22.8 to 33.6) at Chimney Rock, from the U.S. 160 junction to Arboles.
Colo. 112 both directions (MP 1 to 13) from Del Norte to Center are closed eastbound and westbound due to flooding. Del Norte to Center.
Coloradans can check cotrip.org for current road conditions and closures.
Coloradans are reminded to avoid driving through flood waters when you cannot see the road beneath.
Colorado 211 is available to help connect Coloradans with timely information and resources, including up to date evacuation and shelter information and registering for temporary housing vouchers for those in mandatory evacuation zones. Information can be reached by calling 2-1-1 or visiting https://www.211colorado.org/
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