Yesterday rains in Colorado forced air rescue crews to stay grounded, despite reports of more than 1,000 still unaccounted for due to flooding. Thankfully, rescue workers are
back to work today:
Rescue helicopters are back in Colorado's skies Monday and emergency operations continue after a day of drenching rain kept choppers grounded.
"We were really hampered yesterday (Sunday) due to weather. It appears to be lifting, so we are hoping to get a lot of boots on the ground and people in the air," said Carrie Haverfield, spokeswoman for the Boulder Office of Emergency Management.
With power and phone service coming back on line, more people are calling to check on relatives who they haven't heard from in the hard-hit county, and "we are hearing from people who have contacted us and said, "I'm up here and I want to be evacuated," Haverfield said.
There are now 223 people unaccounted for in the county, she added.
In Larimer County, Colorado, more than
1,000 residents are still stranded:
More than 1,000 people in Larimer County alone were cut off and in need of rescue, officials said Monday. If they remain cut off by ground and military crews can't find a way to land helicopters for rescues, authorities will drop food and water to keep people going until rescues are possible, Russell said.
Colorado weather forecasters say there could be some pop-up storms this afternoon, with potential for more
flash flooding:
Rain has slowed to drizzle along the Front Range on Monday morning, but scattered thunderstorms are expected Monday afternoon in the mountains and foothills of northeastern Colorado resurrecting the chance, and dangers, of more flash floods.
A flash flood watch will be posted from noon until 7 p.m. for an area in and near the foothills from north of Boulder to south of Colorado Springs, according to the National Weather Service.
There's "still some potential for flash flooding in and near the foothills this afternoon and into the early evening hours," the weather service reports.
Fortunately, if weather forecasters are correct, Coloradans may be in for a break:
In northeastern Colorado on Tuesday and Wednesday there's a slight chance of late day showers and thunderstorms, mainly over the mountains, the weather service said.
Thursday through most of the up-coming weekend the weather service forecast calls for drier weather before a chance of rain returns late on Sunday.
While Colorado residents are awaiting rescue, the state needs considerable resources to help those in need. Thanks to our friends at
ProgressNow Colorado for pointing out the following plea from
Colorado officials:
HOW TO HELP THOSE AFFECTED BY
FLOODING IN COLORADO
FINANCIAL GIFTS ARE THE BEST WAY TO HELP!
FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES RESPONDING TO DISASTERS IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO HELP - learn why
To make a financial gift to the organization of your choice, CLICK HERE for a list of reputable agencies responding to disasters
Cash allows disaster agencies to purchase exactly what is needed
Member agencies of Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster do not promote one charity over another. Please donate to a charity of your choice.
TO VOLUNTEER
DO NOT GO TO THE SCENE OF A DISASTER
Volunteers are NOT currently needed for flooding
You can enter your information HERE, and if a volunteer need is identified, you will be contacted by the agency that can utilize your skills
The arrival of unexpected volunteers will interfere with response efforts
STAY SAFE by volunteering with a reputable agency!
Volunteers will be needed most during the long-term recovery phase, which will last month/years. Please know, volunteers are still needed for flood risk mitigation for 2012 and 2013 disasters
Please be patient and WAIT until relief agencies can train you and use your help
MATERIAL DONATIONS FOR DISASTERS
Donate ONLY those things that are requested by officials and bring them to the official designated collection centers
To list your material donation into the database, CLICK HERE. You will be contacted if your donation is needed
Meal donations from restaurants (no home cooked meals please) may be needed for some local personnel and organizations supporting response efforts. If you are with a restaurant and want to donate meals, CLICK HERE, and then wait to be contacted (never bring food to a site unless it is requested)
Items not needed may go to waste and get in the way of relief efforts
Donations for VACANT rental properties, vacation homes, can be listed through Colorado Housing Search. Please note donated rooms in homes can NOT be accepted
MORE INFORMATION ON FLOODS
For Boulder County Emergency Status updates, click here
For Larimer County Emergency Status updates, click here
OTHER WAYS TO HELP
Hold a yard sale or put on a fund-raising event and donate money raised to a voluntary organization responding to this disaster
Have you already collected goods but can’t find an agency that needs them? Donate items to a local charitable agency