Colorado Under Siege: Hilary's Remnants Unleash Catastrophic Flooding and Mudslides, Forcing Mass Evacuations

Southeastern Colorado has been plunged into a state of emergency, battling the severe and relentless aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary’s remnants. What began as a distant storm on the West Coast has now delivered a devastating blow to the Centennial State, unleashing torrential rains, catastrophic flooding, and dangerous mudslides that have forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes and left a trail of destruction across multiple counties.

The situation is particularly dire in Prowers County, where communities like Lamar, Holly, and Granada are bearing the brunt of the onslaught.

Emergency services have issued urgent evacuation orders as rising floodwaters inundate neighborhoods, trapping families and threatening homes. Residents recount scenes of rapidly rising water, with many left with no choice but to abandon their properties and seek higher ground. "It’s a heck of a mess, that’s for sure," lamented Prowers County Commissioner Ron Cook, describing the widespread disruption and damage.

"It just doesn’t make any sense, how much water has come through here."

The impact on infrastructure has been immediate and severe. Crucial transportation arteries, including U.S. 50, and sections of U.S. 287/385 south of Lamar, and U.S. 385 south of Holly, have been rendered impassable due to extensive flooding and mudslides.

In a stark testament to the sheer force of the floodwaters, multiple bridges in Prowers County have collapsed, severing vital connections and complicating rescue and relief efforts. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has issued stern advisories, urging residents to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel, emphasizing the unpredictable and dangerous conditions on the roads.

Governor Jared Polis has swiftly responded to the escalating crisis, declaring a disaster emergency for Prowers, Bent, Las Animas, Pueblo, and Crowley counties.

This critical declaration mobilizes state resources and authorizes the deployment of the Colorado National Guard, whose members are now actively assisting local emergency responders with evacuations, search and rescue operations, and logistical support. Their presence is a beacon of hope for communities overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.

The meteorological origins of this deluge trace back to the extraordinary moisture carried by Tropical Storm Hilary, which, after wreaking havoc across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, continued its eastward trajectory.

Southeastern Colorado, along with northeast New Mexico and the Oklahoma panhandle, has received an staggering average of up to 5 inches of rain, transforming dry riverbeds into raging torrents and overwhelming drainage systems. The Arkansas River and Purgatoire River, in particular, are experiencing major flooding, posing continued threats to riverside communities.

As flash flood warnings remain in effect, the immediate focus is on ensuring the safety of all residents.

Emergency shelters have been established, providing refuge, food, and medical assistance to those displaced. The long-term recovery efforts are expected to be substantial, with preliminary assessments already indicating widespread damage to homes, businesses, and essential public services. Colorado now faces the daunting task of rebuilding and recovering from an event that underscores the unpredictable and powerful forces of nature.