The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flash flooding warning for eight states as heavy rainfall from resurgent monsoon activity threatens millions of residents.
The warning, posted Sunday afternoon, affects the following states:
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California
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Utah
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Colorado
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Nebraska
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Kansas
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Oklahoma
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Texas
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New Mexico
Why It Matters
Flash floods have been striking the U.S. with increasing frequency and severity this summer, impacting states like New Mexico, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Illinois. On Sunday, the warning came as communities in Texas continue recovering from deadly flooding along the Guadalupe River.
What to Know
The NWS shared a heavy rain map showing a wide corridor of flash-flood risk stretching from the Western states to the Southern Plains. Forecasters warn of dangerous conditions in urban areas, low-lying roads, streams, and burn-scarred landscapes.
The NWS said on X:
“Heavy showers and thunderstorms developing and expanding in coverage across southern CO and northern NM will pose a threat for flash flooding going into the early evening hours. The area burn scar locations and normally dry washes will be most susceptible to impacts.”
Forecasters explained that warm, moisture-rich air and slow-moving storm systems have increased the risk of flash floods nationwide, a dynamic behind recent deadly events. In the West, areas affected by wildfires face heightened danger as burn-scarred terrain can trigger life-threatening debris flows after intense rain.
What People Are Saying
The NWS stated on Facebook:
“Heavy rain could produce instances of flash flooding across parts of the Four Corners, Great Basin, Sierra Nevada, and Central/Southern Plains amid resurgent monsoon activity. Extreme heat continues over portions of the Southwest and Pacific Northwest.”
Freelance meteorologist Kody Wilson added on X:
“At 12:17 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Emergency personnel have reported debris flows across County Road 5 [in Colorado]. Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will result in debris flow consisting of rock, mud, vegetation, and other loose materials.”
What Happens Next
Local NWS forecast offices will continue monitoring conditions and issue additional watches, warnings, and updates as needed.
Residents in the affected states are urged to:
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Monitor local weather reports
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Follow updates from NWS and emergency management authorities
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Stay alert to potential flash flooding and debris flows
Officials emphasize taking precautions now, as conditions may worsen rapidly.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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