In a rare weather event, parts of the U.S. Southwest, where four states converge, have been placed under a flood watch following a bout of intense rainfall and strong winds.
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STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
Emergency teams have rescued hundreds from rising floodwaters in the Four Corners region, a unique area where New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Arizona meet. While some parts of this typically arid landscape are beginning to dry, meteorologists caution that more rain and storms are anticipated. NPR’s Vanessa Romo has more.
VANESSA ROMO, BYLINE: Beginning on Wednesday, the Southwest has been hit by severe rainstorms, causing rivers and streams to overflow into normally dry areas. The ground, already soaked, can absorb little more water. According to Justin Kern from the Red Cross, over 200 individuals are currently taking refuge in shelters, waiting for the floods to subside.
JUSTIN KERN: They’ve really been slammed the last couple of days, got mass evacuations. We got tornadoes and hail where they may not normally see it.
ROMO: Although the National Weather Service reports a decrease in rainfall, Devin Neeley, a public information officer in San Juan County, New Mexico, advises residents against returning home due to ongoing risks.
DEVIN NEELEY: The water is hazardous in and of itself because of raw sewage in the water, and if your garage was washed out, fertilizers, pesticides, fuel, all those things are now in the water.
ROMO: Neeley notes that it may take several days for the restoration of power and gas services. He urges residents to remain cautious and patient as another storm may approach by Thursday.
Vanessa Romo, NPR News.
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