Rain has been pouring in Colorado, and flash flooding has destroyed roads, damaged entire towns, and killed at least three people. Many parts of the state have received 15 inches of rain already, and state officials say that “very heavy rainfall” should be expected again on Friday.
The Office of Emergency Management said about nineteen countries are under flash flood warnings through Friday, and the National Guard is evacuating around 500 people from Lyons, a region north of Denver. Flood sirens went off in Boulder on Thursday and residents of Fort Collins have also been urged to leave their homes.
The waterways in Boulder County were teeming with rushing water, spilling out onto roads, bridges and homes. The water damages means that many roads are not safe to drive on, as they could potentially give in.
So far there have been three deaths. Two have occurred in Boulder County and one in El Paso County. Also in Boulder County, around 20 people have been reported missing.
Fire Chief J.J. Hoffman, who helped with the evacuations, wrote on Facebook: “I encourage all of you—stay strong! We will absolutely make it through this, we are here for you and doing the absolute best we can with the resources we have to get to each and every one of you!”
