Forecast

Flood Threat Continues for Colorado, New Mexico

This is no way to quench a drought!

Parts of Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Utah that have been in a significant drought have seen severe flooding this week.

(MORE: Colorado Floods | How It Happened | N.M. Floods)

Flood watches/warnings remain posted for parts of the Rockies, including the flood-ravaged Front Range and Foothills of northern Colorado.

(MORE: Flood Alerts)

Is there any end in sight to the deluge? When will it finally dry out? Here's a look at the forecast ahead:

Monday-Tuesday

Thunderstorms are possible each afternoon, but should be more isolated. With a step down of atmospheric moisture (both magnitude and depth), the heavy rain threat should be much lower.
Day-by-day maps: Monday | Tuesday

(CITY FORECASTS: Boulder | Denver | Albuquerque)

Caught in a Flood? Here's What to Do:

Flooding is the most deadly thunderstorm-related weather event in the United States. More people die from flooding than from lightning strikes or tornadoes, in an average year.

If you are in an area that has been hit hard by flooding the last few days, continue to stay away from swollen rivers and creeks, as six inches of fast moving flood waters can knock people off their feet and two feet of rushing water can push an SUV downstream.

(MORE: The Underrated Power of Water)

When driving during flash flooding events, the National Weather Service advises drivers to turn around and not drive through flood waters.

Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling.
It only takes 18 inches of water to lift a car or SUV.
Once a vehicle becomes buoyant, the water will easily push it sideways. Most vehicles will then tend to roll over, trapping those inside and washing them downstream.

The NWS further states that if flood waters rise while the the car is occupied, drivers and passengers are advised to abandon the car and to quickly move to higher ground, if it is possible to safely do so.

(MORE: Flood Safety Tips)

MORE ON WEATHER.COM: Colorado Flooding