Extreme Weather Southwest Flooding
Allen Lynn surveys flooding on his property after a series of storms on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in Durango, Colo.
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A chaotic climate phenomenon called El Niño is intensifying heavy rains and floods in the Southwest. Experts say the natural warming cycle is sizzling Pacific Ocean waters and leaking moisture into the air that can fuel passing storms. The phenomenon wasn’t the only cause, but scientists say it’s making heavy rains more likely and intense across the Southern U.S. Flash floods on Sunday prompted evacuations across northern New Mexico and central Arizona, and a Colorado ski town braced for its main river to rise to catastrophic levels. To stay safe, experts recommended watching the forecast, planning ahead and heeding evacuation warnings.
