What is the location of the flooding?
As of October 22, 2026, a Pacific storm interacting with tropical moisture is bringing heavy rainfall and flash flooding to parts of the Southwest USA and Four Corners region. The broader flood threat includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah (1).
Flooding has been reported near Chinle and Canyon de Chelly National Monument in northeastern Arizona. In southern Utah, flood warnings cover areas around Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, including the Paria River, Wahweap Creek, and the Escalante River Basin.
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Cities and areas affected by flooding or at risk include:
- Arizona: Canyon de Chelly, Chinle, Flagstaff, Glen Canyon, Phoenix, Sedona, and Tucson.
- California: Bakersfield, Malibu, Santa Barbara coast, Santa Ynez Valley, and Tehachapi.
- Colorado: Cortez and Durango.
- Nevada: Las Vegas.
- New Mexico: Albuquerque, Farmington, Gallup, Silver City, and Zuni Pueblo.
- Utah: Big Water, Cannonville, Escalante, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Moab, St. George, and Tropic.
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
As of October 22, 2026, flooding remains a threat across parts of the Southwest USA as continued rainfall increases runoff and raises water levels.
At Chinle Creek, the river gauge recorded 3.4 feet at 3 a.m. MDT, below the 4-foot flood stage. However, the National Weather Service warned that dangerous flooding remained a threat downstream of Canyon de Chelly through the morning (2).
In southern Utah, saturated soils and continued rainfall are increasing flows through rivers, normally dry washes, and slot canyons. Some backcountry roads may become impassable.
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Flood and severe weather alerts are in effect across parts of the Southwest USA:
- Chinle and Canyon de Chelly, Arizona: A flash flood warning remains in effect until 9:15 a.m. MDT on October 22, with dangerous flooding threatening nearby waterways.
- Southern Utah: A flood warning remains in effect until 12:15 p.m. MDT on October 22 for parts of Garfield, Kane, and San Juan counties, including the Glen Canyon area.
- Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah: Flood watches extend through October 23 in some areas, with expiration times varying by location.
- Parts of Arizona: Severe thunderstorm watches are also in effect on October 22, with damaging winds and hail possible.
Residents and visitors should monitor local alerts, avoid flooded roads and low-water crossings, and stay away from swollen waterways, slot canyons, and flood-prone backcountry routes (3).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
