One person was killed and two others are still missing after a flash flood struck a Colorado canyon area Tuesday, officials said.
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office said that the body of one person was recovered from the Poudre River, and officials were searching for others confirmed to be missing.
This is the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office with an emergency message. Dangerous flooding is occurring in the area from Joe Wright Reservoir east to the intersection of County Road 69 and Rustic. Immediately reach higher ground by any means neces https://t.co/MTx1hC6LXm
— Larimer Sheriff (@LarimerSheriff) July 21, 2021
A flash flood warning was issued Tuesday evening, and mandatory emergency evacuations were issued for parts of Larimer County due to floods in Poudre Canyon, west of Fort Collins.
“Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for residents and business occupants due to immediate and imminent danger. Evacuate the area immediately and as quickly as possible. Do not delay leaving to gather belongings or make efforts to protect your home or business.”
– Larimer County Sheriff’s Office alert
Mudslides took down power lines, damaged at least five homes, and bridges were out, making damage assessment difficult.
Up to an inch of rain had fallen on the Cameron Peak Fire burn scar in Larimer County on Tuesday, according to radar estimates. The fire last year was the largest in Colorado history and burned more than 208,000 acres.
The mandatory evacuation was lifted this morning, but officials believe the weather pattern will return and are asking residents to remain alert to the weather conditions in the event additional evacuations may be necessary.
