DENVER — Torrential rainfall caused widespread flooding in parts of the southern metro Denver area Saturday, prompting emergency responses and disrupting travel.
South Metro Fire Rescue and the Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded to stranded motorists at multiple flooded intersections in Meridian Village, where rainfall gauges recorded up to 2 inches of rain in a short period.
Elsewhere in the metro area, the parking lot at an Aurora Costco, located at 1471 S. Havana Street, was flooded, submerging at least one vehicle.
The heavy rain also caused problems in the foothills, as several businesses in Evergreen reported flooding.
In Jefferson County, a 30-foot retaining wall above a southwest Jeffco neighborhood partially collapsed during Saturday's storm, sending water cascading into backyards and basements and renewing residents' concerns about a nearby housing development.
Meanwhile, crews in Douglas County used snowplows to clear hail and floodwaters from roadways.
Denver International Airport temporarily halted departures due to thunderstorms, contributing to more than 550 delays and 60 cancellations.
Despite the widespread disruptions, no major injuries were reported in Saturday's flooding event. The extent of the damage is unknown.
Conditions were drying out early Sunday morning. However, thunderstorms are expected to develop Sunday afternoon and evening, especially over the Palmer Divide, Cheyenne Ridge and northeastern plains, before potentially spreading into the I-25 Corridor.
Storms may linger later than usual before skies clear overnight, with patchy fog possible by Monday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Front Range and eastern Colorado.
