Small Town Cut Off From Rescue by Colo. Flood

Residents told to prepare for days without outside help

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Residents of the town of Lyons, Colorado, have been left stranded after a raging flood tore through the front range of the Rockies starting late Wednesday night, overtopping several dams designed to protect the community, CNN reports.

“We ask you to conserve resources during this time,” the city of Lyons, population 2,000, told residents through its Facebook page. “We are currently not able to get water or food into the town.” According to CNN, residents were using the city’s Facebook page to coordinate the search for loved ones and seek out supplies, like medicine and pet food.

Communities across the front range from Boulder to Colorado Springs were affected by the storm that dropped more than half a foot of rain on the area in a 19-hour period, says CNN. In Boulder, a 20-foot wall of water reportedly surged down a mountain canyon near town. At its peak, according to CNN, Boulder Creek was flowing at 16 times the normal rate. Rescuers have been repeatedly frustrated in their efforts by ongoing rain, mudslides, debris, and impassable roads.

CNN’s meteorologist Chad Myers says the community isn’t out of trouble yet. “It could rain again all night,” he said

PHOTOSIntense Rains Cause Deadly Flash Floods in Northern Colorado

[CNN]