The National Weather Service in Pueblo on Wednesday announced a second day of flash flood warnings, following an eight-hour flood warning on Tuesday. The flood warnings are in effect in El Paso and Teller counties until 10 p.m. 

The weather service put out an emergency alert at 3:10 p.m. that deems the flood risk a “dangerous and life-threatening situation.” 

The city of Manitou Springs issued a news release Wednesday that warns of a second day of rainfall, mostly impacting high-elevation and foothill communities like Woodland Park, Monument Ridge, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. 

The Manitou Springs Fire Department issued a flood warning around 3:30 p.m., warning residents of 2 to 3 inches of rainfall expected by this evening. 

Manitou Springs officials evacuated City Hall, the Manitou Springs Pool and Fitness Center and the Mobility Office at 202 Manitou Ave., and all nonessential city staff were sent home.

Residents of Pikes Peak RV Park and Green Willow Cottages were evacuated to Manitou Springs Middle School, city officials said. As of 5 p.m., officials said evacuations had been lifted and residents were allowed to return to their homes.

Routes 3, 33 and 36 of Mountain Metro Transit were delayed and rerouted and have since resumed regular service.

Manitou’s officials warn residents to stay away from burn scars, as the soil is less absorbent, increasing the potential for flash flooding, mudslides and rockslides. 

The National Weather Service issued several flash flood warnings on Wednesday, including for Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Monument, Palmer Lake and the Broadmoor neighborhood until 6:15 p.m. 

An additional special weather statement was issued by the weather service for Colorado Springs, Security and Fountain until 4 p.m., warning of 50 mph winds and hail up to half an inch. 

Earlier on Wednesday, the weather service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Black Forest and Monument until 3:15 p.m., and a tornado warning for Custer County until 3:45 p.m.

A tornado reportedly touched down in Custer County near Westcliffe, but was in an open field and the only damage was to a telephone pole, according to the weather service. No residents surrounding the area lost power, according to the Custer Public Power District. 

The high moisture around El Paso County is accompanied by a monsoon plume, according to the weather service, which is a stream of moisture coming from the gulf and Pacific Ocean as part of the North American Monsoon pattern.

The plume is causing higher humidity and heightened rainfall in the area. On Tuesday, the highest dew point of the day was 61 degrees, and Wednesday’s was 54 degrees. These high dew points that accompany monsoon plumes indicate high humidity and a muggy feeling in the air.

The monsoon in the Springs typically begins in early July, but can start as early as mid-June or as late as mid-July. The weather service says Colorado Springs is well into its monsoon season. 

So far in July, 1.13 inches of rain has fallen in Colorado Springs, which is less than the average of 2.89 inches. In July 2024, about 3.05 inches of rain fell in the Springs. 

Colorado Springs has received 9.52 inches of rainfall this year, .48 less than the average of 10 inches at this time in past years.

The forecast

Wednesday’s high is 83 degrees with an 80% chance of thunderstorms from afternoon into the night. The Weather Service predicts that 0.5 to 0.75 inches of rain will fall. 

Thursday’s forecast consists of all-day thunderstorms, with a 20% chance in the morning, an 80% chance in the afternoon and a 60% chance in the evening. The high will be 76 degrees and the nighttime low will be around 55 degrees.

Friday has a high of 80 degrees with a 60% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. The nighttime low will be around 54 degrees with a 30% chance of thunderstorms.