Flooding could return Thursday to communities across the Denver area and southern Colorado as heavy rains reemerge in the afternoon and evening, according to state officials.
A high flood threat was issued Thursday for most of El Paso County and parts of Teller, Elbert, Fremont, Custer and Pueblo counties, according to the Colorado Department of Natural Resources’ Colorado Water Conservation Board.
Communities in the area could see up to 2 inches of rain per hour, according to the flood threat bulletin.
That’s roughly equal to 26 inches of snow, according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory.
“This may cause debris slides and mud flows over steep terrain, and rapid rises on local creeks, streams and gulches,” state officials said in the bulletin. “Excessive runoff is likely in urban areas, leading to flash flooding.”
Parts of the Denver area and southeastern Colorado are under a moderate flood threat Thursday, officials said.
The moderate threat includes parts of Adams, Arapahoe, Baca, Bent, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Douglas, Elbert, El Paso, Fremont, Huerfano, Las Animas Lincoln, Otero, Prowers, Pueblo, and Teller counties.
Montview Park in Aurora saw 1 1/2 inches of rain in less than 30 minutes Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service.
“Make sure to not drive through flooded roadways!” weather service officials said. “Turn around, don’t drown.”
State officials said the greatest risk for flooding across the metro area will be between 1 p.m. Thursday and midnight.
A low flood threat exists over the remainder of the Front Range, foothills and the eastern edge of Colorado’s mountain ranges.
Flooding is most likely in the mountains between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday, state officials said.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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