Priscilla remnants flood Colorado; 400 homes ordered to evacuate near Durango
Priscilla, which formed off Mexico and briefly strengthened into a hurricane before weakening, has sent moisture into the U.S. Southwest and prompted flash‑flood warnings across the region. In Colorado, nearly 400 homes along Vallecito Creek north of Vallecito Reservoir near Durango were ordered to evacuate as mountain streams flooded, bridges were threatened by debris, Bayfield High School opened as a shelter, flood‑control systems were overtopped and peak flows were expected Saturday night with more heavy rain forecast into next week.
International
Climate
Public Safety
Weather/Climate
Weather
📌 Key Facts
- Priscilla rapidly intensified over the Pacific, reaching Category 2 strength with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph, then weakened to a tropical storm (about 50 mph) as it moved northwest off the coast of Baja California.
- Tropical‑storm watches and coastal warnings were issued for stretches of Mexico’s Pacific coast and Baja California Sur; Mexican authorities canceled classes in parts of Baja, opened shelters and warned of life‑threatening surf and rip currents.
- Forecasters said Priscilla’s outer bands could produce several inches of rain in southwestern Mexico (forecasts ranged up to ~4–6 inches in places such as Michoacán and Colima), raising flash‑flood risk there and along the coast.
- U.S. forecasters warned the storm’s remnants could drench the Southwest, with rain bands expected to saturate Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado through the weekend; flood warnings were posted and the NHC/NWS warned of deadly flash floods, especially near recent burn scars.
- Northern Arizona was highlighted as particularly at risk (Flagstaff forecast 2–3 inches with locally higher totals), and officials emphasized that many flood fatalities occur in vehicles, urging people not to drive into floodwaters.
- In Colorado, nearly 400 homes along Vallecito Creek north of Vallecito Reservoir near Durango were ordered evacuated; Bayfield High School was opened as an evacuation shelter and the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District urged residents to avoid bridges because debris and trees were washing downstream.
- Local infrastructure and property were damaged or threatened: flood control systems built after prior inundations were overtopped, peak flows were expected Saturday night with more heavy rain forecast for Monday–Tuesday, and businesses (e.g., Blue Spruce RV Park & Cabins) sandbagged septic systems as managers reported ‘hot tubs floating down the river.’
- Separate flooding in southern Utah prompted rescues, including a Washington City firefighter rescue of a person and their dog from a car.
📰 Sources (6)
Hundreds told to evacuate as tropical storm remnants cause Colorado mountain streams to flood
New information:
- Nearly 400 homes along Vallecito Creek north of Vallecito Reservoir near Durango, CO were placed under an evacuation order.
- Upper Pine River Fire Protection District urged residents to avoid bridges as debris and trees washed downstream.
- Bayfield High School opened as an evacuation shelter.
- Blue Spruce RV Park & Cabins sandbagged septic systems; GM Debby McCall reported 'hot tubs floating down the river.'
- Flood control systems built after prior inundations were overtopped; peak flows expected Saturday night with more heavy rain forecast Monday–Tuesday.
- Separate flooding in southern Utah led Washington City firefighters to rescue a person and their dog from a car.
Tropical Storm Priscilla to drench Southwest US, raising deadly flash flood risk
New information:
- Flood warnings have already been posted Thursday for parts of the Southwest as Priscilla’s remnants approach.
- NWS Flagstaff meteorologist Robert Rickey says northern Arizona is most at risk, with 2–3 inches of rain likely around Flagstaff and locally higher amounts possible.
- Rain bands from Priscilla are expected to saturate Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado through the weekend, with some areas receiving as much moisture in hours as they get in a year.
- Recent burn scars (including on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim) may worsen flash‑flood impacts.
- NWS notes many fatalities occur in vehicles; Arizona’s ‘stupid motorist law’ is cited amid concerns about drivers entering floodwaters.
Tropical Storm Jerry churns in the Atlantic as Priscilla moves along Mexico’s Pacific coast
New information:
- Priscilla has weakened to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds around 50 mph.
- Location/motion update: about 295 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California, moving NW at 8 mph.
- Baja California Sur under a tropical storm watch from Cabo San Lucas to Cabo San Lázaro; high surf and gusty winds reported.
- NHC says Priscilla could bring flash flooding through the weekend across the U.S. Southwest.
Hurricane Priscilla strengthens to a Category 2 storm as it runs along the Pacific coast of Mexico
New information:
- National Hurricane Center lists Priscilla with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (Category 2).
- Precise location given: ~260 miles west‑southwest of Cabo Corrientes and ~230 miles south of the southern tip of Baja California.
- Baja California Sur announced cancellation of classes in Los Cabos and La Paz and set up a dozen shelters.
- Forecast detail: Priscilla could be at or near major hurricane strength later Tuesday, with weakening beginning Wednesday; up to 4 inches (10 cm) of rain possible in parts of Michoacán and Colima.
- Context: Tropical Storm Octave noted as weakening about 795 miles southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.
Hurricane Priscilla lashes western Mexico with heavy rain and strong winds
New information:
- Priscilla has strengthened to a hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph (140 kph).
- Tropical-storm watches now in effect for Baja California Sur from Cabo San Lucas to Santa Fe and for the coast from Manzanillo to Punta Mita.
- Forecasters warn parts of southwestern Mexico (Michoacán and Colima) could receive up to 6 inches (15 cm) of rain from Priscilla’s outer bands, raising flash‑flood risk.
- NHC expects Priscilla to intensify to Category 2 and approach major‑hurricane strength over the next several days; swells producing life‑threatening surf and rip currents are already reaching the coast.