Weather
Colorado Flood Watch Oct. 22-23: Up to 4 Inches of Rain Possible
Pueblo, CO — Heavy rainfall across southwestern Colorado's mountains is raising concerns about flooding, rockslides and dangerous travel conditions Thursday, Oct. 22, through Friday, Oct. 23, as anoth
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-22T08:50:39.638Z
Pueblo, CO — Heavy rainfall across southwestern Colorado's mountains is raising concerns about flooding, rockslides and dangerous travel conditions Thursday, Oct. 22, through Friday, Oct. 23, as another round of storms threatens already saturated areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Flood Watch remains in effect through 6 p.m. Friday, with an additional 2 to 4 inches of precipitation possible, mostly as rain at elevations up to 13,000 feet. The heaviest rainfall is expected across the San Juan Mountains.
Forecasters warn that persistent rainfall could overwhelm small streams, wash out forest roads and culverts, and flood low lying areas.
River levels are also expected to rise, with high flows and possible flooding Friday along the Rio Grande, South Fork Rio Grande, Conejos River and other waterways.
Rockslides and debris flows could create additional hazards in steep terrain, while water flowing over roadways may make some mountain routes unsafe.
Thursday's forecast calls for widespread showers and thunderstorms across the mountains, with precipitation probabilities ranging from 80% to 100%.
Mountain temperatures will remain cool, with afternoon highs between 40 and 55 degrees.
Valley communities face a 70% to 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with highs between 54 and 63 degrees.
Conditions will be considerably different across the eastern plains, where temperatures could reach 70 to 85 degrees and precipitation chances remain between 10% and 20%.
The Interstate 25 corridor may experience isolated showers, although the greatest flooding concerns remain farther west.
Residents and travelers near mountain streams, river crossings and steep slopes should remain alert as rainfall continues through Friday.
Motorists should never attempt to cross flooded roads, even when water appears shallow.