Floodwaters swamp the Southwest, forcing evacuations and altering some Election Day voting

Rivers in the Southwest began receding on Monday after heavy weekend rainfall produced flash flooding and mandatory evacuations across multiple states. Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona were all affected by the flooding, which could cause as much as 4 inches of rain through Monday. The Animas River in southwestern Colorado saw widespread flooding and damage to bridges, forcing the closure of all La Plata County roads.

Officials warned of potentially catastrophic flooding in Pagosa Springs, a town of over 2,000 located near ski resorts and known for its hot springs. The Colorado Secretary of State's office set up alternative voting plans for Pagosa Springs residents. The San Juan River in New Mexico was still rising, prompting new evacuations in San Juan County, including some Navajo communities.

In Utah, the Rio Chama was under a flood warning, and evacuations were ordered in several communities. In Arizona, the Jemez River made campgrounds and fishing sites inaccessible, and residents were ordered to evacuate in Sedona. Officials in Pagosa Springs said voters who haven't voted yet can request a replacement ballot at any voter center across the state or vote in-person for statewide races outside their home county.