Pueblo, Colo. – Heavy rain could trigger dangerous flash flooding across southern Colorado Monday afternoon as storms develop over the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for mountain communities and valleys stretching from La Veta Pass to Poncha Pass, including Walsenburg, Westcliffe, Silver Cliff, and Rye.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, the watch is in effect Monday afternoon through late Monday evening. Persistent easterly winds and a surge of monsoon moisture will help spark slow-moving thunderstorms capable of producing torrential rainfall. Officials warn that “training” storms — where multiple cells pass over the same area — could rapidly overwhelm creeks, rivers, and drainages.
Areas at highest risk include the Upper Huerfano River Basin near Walsenburg, the Wet Mountain Valley below 8,500 feet, and mountain slopes above 10,000 feet. Runoff could wash out low-lying roads, impact travel along Highways 69 and 160, and send debris flows into smaller canyons.
Emergency managers urge residents to avoid camping in dry creek beds and to move livestock out of flood-prone pastures. Drivers are advised to never cross flooded roadways.
The Flood Watch remains in effect until late Monday evening, with additional advisories possible if storms persist into Tuesday.
