Washington, November 02 (QNA) — Authorities in the United States announced Monday that they have issued mandatory evacuation orders for certain areas in the southwestern US, following heavy rainfall that triggered flash floods.

In the tourist city of Sedona, Arizona, authorities ordered residents in areas near Oak Creek to leave immediately as floodwaters rose rapidly, with some individuals already trapped inside their homes.

In southwestern Colorado, authorities in the town of Pagosa Springs warned of the potential for catastrophic flooding with the San Juan River expected to crest at a level exceeding 19 feet.

The latest wave of heavy rain began on Saturday evening, with forecasts indicating that it would trigger flash floods—particularly in areas already saturated with water—persisting through today, Monday. The National Weather Service estimates that rainfall across the region could reach up to 4 inches (10 centimeters), driven by a series of stormy weather systems arriving from the Pacific Ocean.

The National Weather Service has issued flood warnings covering most of Arizona, parts of southern Utah, southwestern Colorado, western New Mexico, and a portion of southern Nevada. The affected areas include the sparsely populated "Four Corners" region, where the borders of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet. (QNA)