US states order evacuations as floods follow heavy storm

A powerful storm on Sunday brought heavy rainfall to areas of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, which are still recovering from devastating floods.

Meteorologists reported that the strong storm unleashed heavy rain across the Southwest, prompting US authorities to issue evacuation orders in some areas and raising the threat of flash floods through Monday.

The greatest risk was expected across parts of Arizona, southern Utah, southwestern Colorado, and western New Mexico, where much of the region is still recovering from recent destructive flooding.

The Weather Prediction Center explained that continued heavy rainfall over already saturated ground could quickly lead to renewed flash flooding, especially in steep terrain, narrow canyons, waterways, and burn scar areas.