November NJTI Update

In September, Colorado experienced unprecedented rainfall resulting in wide-spread flooding throughout the Front Range, eventually spreading east across the state affecting 1,533 square miles. Rainfall in amounts ranging from 10 to 20 inches sending flood waters far beyond the 100-year flood plain. This is half of a year's worth of rain in three days for a normally very arid climate. Disaster Declarations have been initiated for 24 counties.

 

Devastation and casualties occurred with nine lives lost; 1,882 homes destroyed; 16,101 homes damaged; 203 businesses destroyed; 765 businesses damaged. Major transportation infrastructure failure occurred including highways and railways. Mountain towns were cut off from rest of the world due to roadway washouts. 5,958 people were evacuated, 2,256 by air and others by zip lines and swift water rescue.

 

As conditions worsened, the CO TERT Co-State Coordinator began communicating with PSAPs in the area to determine their needs. Most reported that they were busy but able to handle the call load with their existing staff. On Friday, September 11, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department was faced with a major road washout, evacuations, and inability to staff both their communications center and mobile command post. They initiated a TERT request via their Emergency Operations Center and Incident Management Team...

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