1-in-1000 year flood happening in Southern Colorado

It is being described as a “1-in-1,000-year” flood. That doesn’t mean it happens only once every thousand years. It means a flood of that magnitude has about a 0.1% chance of occurring in any given year.

I went to college in Durango, so southwest Colorado holds a special place in my heart. Seeing what’s happening in Durango, Pagosa Springs and the surrounding communities is heartbreaking.

While the high country is announcing the ski season, this beautiful corner of our state is facing a very different reality: devastating flooding.

According to 9NEWS, Colorado State climatologist Russ Schumacher described the storm behind the flooding as one of Colorado’s most extreme rainstorms on record. Pagosa Springs has received nearly 15 inches of rain since September 1, while Durango has received 13.5 inches.

The flooding stretches across southwest Colorado, including parts of the San Luis Valley and eastern San Juan Mountains.

For me, these aren’t just names on a weather map. They’re places in a part of Colorado I know and care about. Behind every image of flooding are people worried about their homes, their businesses, and what comes next.

Please keep these communities—and the emergency crews helping them—in your thoughts. If you’re traveling in the area, check current road conditions and follow local emergency guidance.

Colorado is beautiful, but moments like this remind us how powerful nature can be—and how much our neighbors need our compassion.

Text “THANKS” to #303-871-1491 to donate money to the flood victims.

Read more about the storms and the new storms coming in tomorrow.