NewsWPLG Local 10November 4, 2026Miami-Dade County
Receding floodwaters leave mud and home damage across the US Southwest
Photo: WPLG Local 10
Massive flooding across the U.S. Southwest receded on Tuesday, leaving residents to begin cleaning up homes and businesses covered in mud and water damage following weeks of severe storms. Over 20 trillion gallons of rain fell on the Four Corners states and Nevada, prompting evacuations, alternative Election Day voting plans, and emergency declarations.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
Residents in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada face extensive property damage, collapsed bridges, and weeks of cleanup costs after record rainfall bypassed official flood zones.
Key Facts
- More than 20 trillion gallons of rain fell on the Four Corners states and Nevada over a two-week period.
- One person died in the floodwaters and police suspect a second death was weather-related.
- Communities in Colorado and Utah adjusted Election Day voting plans due to flooding.
- Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an emergency declaration in Florida, leading to polling place changes in at least eight counties.
- Major rivers in New Mexico's San Juan County crested and began to recede, though officials warn it takes 24 to 48 hours for waters to fully recede.
- Walkways and bridges collapsed or sustained heavy damage in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
- Willow Bradner's home in Durango, Colorado, was surrounded by about 2 feet of mud after nearly 5 feet of water poured into her basement.
Who's Mentioned
locationUtah“State where communities made alternative voting plans.”locationDurango“Colorado town 60 miles west of Pagosa Springs.”PersonWillow Bradner“Durango resident whose home was flooded with mud and water.”locationSanta Fe“New Mexico city.”locationConcord“New Hampshire city.”PersonRyan Maue“Former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration chief scientist who calcu”locationFlorida“State experiencing downpours and polling place changes.”locationColorado“State experiencing flooding and alternative voting plans.”PersonRon DeSantis“Governor who issued an emergency declaration in Florida.”locationArizona“State impacted by the severe storms.”PersonSavannah Peters“AP journalist who contributed to the report.”locationNew Mexico“State affected by heavy rains and river crests.”PersonKathy McCormack“AP journalist who contributed to the report.”locationNevada“State receiving heavy rainfall.”PersonJack Ellis“Retired school teacher surveyed damage along the San Juan River in Pagosa Spring”locationPagosa Springs“Colorado town affected by river flooding.”OrganizationNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration“Federal scientific agency.”