Denver, Colorado —

What is happening:

Colorado Governor Jared Polis has declared a disaster emergency for flooding in southern Colorado. The declaration unlocks state resources and aid for the flood-hit region. It was announced Friday morning as the National Weather Service kept Flood Warnings posted across a wide swath of southwestern Colorado, from the San Juan Mountains across the southwestern counties.

Local impacts:

Flood Warnings are in effect this Friday morning for La Plata, Montezuma, Archuleta, Hinsdale, San Miguel, Ouray, Rio Grande, Mineral, Conejos, Mesa and Montrose counties, with most running through this afternoon and evening. A Flood Watch covers the Upper Rio Grande Valley and eastern San Juan Mountains through this evening. Creeks and rivers are running high and fast, and low-lying roads and crossings are taking on water.

What to do:

- If you see water rising around you, get to higher ground immediately.

- Never drive through flooded roads. Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and a foot can carry away a car.

- Stay out of rivers and creeks — fast current is dangerous even when it looks calm.

- Keep away from storm drains and ditches.

- Watch for local emergency alerts and check on neighbors who may need help.

Source: The Denver Post, October 23, 2026. Reported by TNW News.