Flood — Washington, Colorado

2013-09-15 to 2013-09-20 · near Messex, Washington, Colorado

Event narrative

The flood crest moving down the South Platte River completely submerged the community of Messex and forced the evacuation of the small community for several days. The railroad tracks, owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway on the west side of the river, suffered extensive damage. In addition, a section of CO63 was also damaged. Several small bridges and county roads were washed out by flooding around Messex including Washington County Roads 59, N and WW. The entrance and exit ramps of Interstate 76 to Barlow Road were closed due to flooding. Fiber optic cables were also damaged during the flood.

Wider weather episode

The headwaters of the South Platte River caused widespread flooding as it moved through Morgan, northwest Washington and Logan Counties. The damage was not as extensive in Sedgwick County.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (40.4400, -103.4600)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 485269. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.