Mandatory evacuations issued in parts of Archuleta County due to potential flooding

ARCHULETA COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Archuleta County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) is issuing mandatory evacuations along several rivers due to potential flooding.

ACSO, along with Pagosa Springs, says all low-lying and flood prone areas along the San Juan River, Rio Blanco River, Navajo River and Piedra River are under the evacuation notice.

ACSO says sandbags are available at the Archuleta County Building at 1122 Hwy 84 and the Tara Community Center at 333 Milton Lane, Arboles.

ACSO posted on Facebook notifying residents that North Pagosa Boulevard from around Gate 5 to the top of the split past Coronado Circle was closed on the north side as well.

The Pagosa Springs Police Department says Hermosa Street and San Juan Street are closed.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) says CO 151 is closed south of the US 160 junction due to flooding. They advise drivers to use an alternate route through CO 172 via Ignacio. CDOT says the road reopened around 6:40 p.m.

National Weather Service Pueblo says the Colorado State Patrol told them Highway 160 is closed after floodwaters covered the road between Wolf Creek Pass and South Fork, as of 6:45 p.m. ACSO says County Road 500 is closed from mile marker 12 to Highway 151.

They are asking people to drive carefully, as more emergency vehicles will be on major and minor access roads. They also say river levels are currently rising, and there is a potential for flooding in the low-lying, flood-prone areas.

They say to expect localized flooding, submerged riverbanks and unsafe swift-water conditions. ACSO is reminding drivers to never drive through flooded roads, and secure any outdoor items and equipment.

ACSO says updates will be provided on the office's Facebook page, or residents can call the Public Call Center. They can call 970-508-9928 for more information.

Residents can also register for citizen alerts and warnings here.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.