Weather

Southwest Colorado Under Flood Watch as Heavy Rain Expected Through Tuesday

BySaluda Standard Sentinel Team October 13, 2025October 13, 2025

GRAND JUNCTION, CO — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Junction has issued a Flood Watch for southwest Colorado as another system of heavy tropical moisture moves into the region, threatening to bring torrential rain and possible flash flooding through Tuesday afternoon.

Widespread Rain and Thunderstorms Expected

According to the Country Herald Weather Center, rainfall totals are expected to range between 1 and 2 inches, with localized areas seeing up to 3–4 inches. The heaviest downpours are likely along the San Juan Mountains and adjacent valleys.

Thunderstorms embedded within the system could cause rapid flooding, particularly in low-lying regions and burn scar areas that are still recovering from previous wildfires.

“The combination of saturated soils and elevated river levels means even moderate rainfall could lead to flooding,” the NWS Grand Junction office said in a Sunday advisory.

Flood Impacts Could Persist Into Midweek

Meteorologists warn that rivers and streams may continue rising into Wednesday, even after the rain ends. Runoff from mountain slopes could exacerbate flooding downstream, affecting communities near Durango, Ouray, and Telluride.

While additional precipitation may develop midweek, the NWS said confidence in that forecast remains uncertain. The Flood Watch will stay in effect through noon Tuesday, with updates to follow if rainfall intensifies.

Travel and Safety Advisories

Residents and travelers in the area are urged to remain alert for changing weather conditions and to avoid flood-prone roadways.
Authorities are emphasizing the “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” safety rule — even a small amount of moving water can sweep away vehicles.

Those traveling through mountain passes or remote areas are encouraged to check road conditions regularly and keep emergency supplies on hand.
Updated forecasts and real-time alerts can be found on the NWS Grand Junction website and its official social media channels.

As moisture continues to stream northward from the desert Southwest, forecasters say this system will mark another test for the region’s saturated terrain following an unusually wet start to October.

For ongoing weather coverage and regional updates, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.

Saluda Standard Sentinel Team

The Saluda Standard-Sentinel Team represents the collective voice of our newsroom — covering urgent updates, official notices, and stories compiled by multiple reporters. Rooted in the South and committed to trusted local journalism, our team brings timely, community-first reporting to readers across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.