Four Corners flooding forces rooftop rescues and evacuations in Colorado and New Mexico

Severe flooding along the San Juan and Animas rivers prompted rescues by boat, helicopter and amphibious vehicle in San Juan County, New Mexico, where a county spokesman told the AP that crews were pulling people from roofs and from homes with 3 to 4 feet of water inside. About 600 households in Farmington were told to evacuate, a city spokesperson said, and the county opened a shelter at McGee Park.

In Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency in 11 southwestern counties late Thursday, authorizing the Colorado National Guard to support evacuations and search and rescue, according to the state's emergency management division. Archuleta County's sheriff said he knew of no deaths or serious injuries as of midday Friday. In Utah, the city of Hurricane declared a state of emergency Thursday after floodwater reached about 80 homes.

Why it matters: A National Weather Service meteorologist said the ground is saturated after weeks of repeated heavy rain, and more rain was forecast through the weekend.