Dave Jackson closes a mailbox with his foot after delivering the mail to a home surrounded by water from the flooded Cheyenne Creek in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Friday, September 13. Flooding in Colorado has washed away roads and bridges and flooded homes. Authorities warned more rain was on the way, threatening more flooding. At least four people have been killed and 218 are unaccounted for, officials say.Dave Jackson closes a mailbox with his foot after delivering the mail to a home surrounded by water from the flooded Cheyenne Creek in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Friday, September 13. Flooding in Colorado has washed away roads and bridges and flooded homes. Authorities warned more rain was on the way, threatening more flooding. At least four people have been killed and 218 are unaccounted for, officials say.

Rescue personnel search for flood victims near Fort Collins, Colorado, on September 13.Rescue personnel search for flood victims near Fort Collins, Colorado, on September 13.

Chris Rodes helps Fred Rob salvage a friend's belongings after floods left homes and infrastructure in a shambles in Lyons, Colorado, on September 13.Chris Rodes helps Fred Rob salvage a friend's belongings after floods left homes and infrastructure in a shambles in Lyons, Colorado, on September 13.

During a break in the rain, a woman walks over a footbridge past the raging Boulder Creek in Boulder on September 13. Boulder County is one of the hardest-hit areas.During a break in the rain, a woman walks over a footbridge past the raging Boulder Creek in Boulder on September 13. Boulder County is one of the hardest-hit areas.

Suzanne Sophocles hugs her dogs after they were rescued from her flooded home on September 13 in Boulder. Thousands of people stranded by the flood waters in Colorado were finally able to come down by trucks and helicopters, two days after seemingly endless rain turned normally scenic rivers and creeks into coffee-colored rapids that wrecked scores of roads and wiped out neighborhoods. Suzanne Sophocles hugs her dogs after they were rescued from her flooded home on September 13 in Boulder. Thousands of people stranded by the flood waters in Colorado were finally able to come down by trucks and helicopters, two days after seemingly endless rain turned normally scenic rivers and creeks into coffee-colored rapids that wrecked scores of roads and wiped out neighborhoods.

Residents look at the flood damage along Topaz Street in Boulder, on September 13.Residents look at the flood damage along Topaz Street in Boulder, on September 13.

Will Pitner gets rescued by emergency workers and neighbor Jeff Writer, on September 13 after he spent a night trapped outside above his home at the base of Boulder Canyon.Will Pitner gets rescued by emergency workers and neighbor Jeff Writer, on September 13 after he spent a night trapped outside above his home at the base of Boulder Canyon.

Water rushes where a bridge collapsed in a flash flood in Lyons, on September 13. Water rushes where a bridge collapsed in a flash flood in Lyons, on September 13.

A man runs through the flood waters in a yard in Boulder on September 13. A man runs through the flood waters in a yard in Boulder on September 13.

Topaz Street resident Jake Koplen stands at the edge of his driveway after the street in front of his home was washed away in Boulder on September 13.Topaz Street resident Jake Koplen stands at the edge of his driveway after the street in front of his home was washed away in Boulder on September 13.

Brother and sister Patrick Tinsley and Mary Kerns head to Boulder from the mountain community of Magnolia, Colorado, on September 13. Brother and sister Patrick Tinsley and Mary Kerns head to Boulder from the mountain community of Magnolia, Colorado, on September 13.

Samantha Kinzig of Longmont, Colorado, and her 5-year-old daughter Isabel take a closer look at the damaged bridge on Weld County Road 1 on September 13.Samantha Kinzig of Longmont, Colorado, and her 5-year-old daughter Isabel take a closer look at the damaged bridge on Weld County Road 1 on September 13.

A rubber ducky floats down Ninth Street alongside North Boulder Park in Boulder, on Thursday, September 12. A rubber ducky floats down Ninth Street alongside North Boulder Park in Boulder, on Thursday, September 12.

Highway 7 is completely blown out from the South St. Vrain River as a torrent of raging water rips through it about 12 miles west of Lyons on September 12.Highway 7 is completely blown out from the South St. Vrain River as a torrent of raging water rips through it about 12 miles west of Lyons on September 12.

A woman looks at the flooded Boulder Creek on September 12.A woman looks at the flooded Boulder Creek on September 12.

Three vehicles crashed into a creek after the road washed out from beneath them in Broomfield, Colorado, on September 12. Three people were rescued.Three vehicles crashed into a creek after the road washed out from beneath them in Broomfield, Colorado, on September 12. Three people were rescued.

Nicky Toor, 15, floats on the flooded lawn of North Boulder Park in Boulder on September 12.Nicky Toor, 15, floats on the flooded lawn of North Boulder Park in Boulder on September 12.

Joey Schusler rides through flooded Canyon Boulevard in Boulder, on September 12.Joey Schusler rides through flooded Canyon Boulevard in Boulder, on September 12.

Residents view a road washed out by a torrent of water after overnight flash flooding near Left Hand Canyon, Colorado, on September 12.Residents view a road washed out by a torrent of water after overnight flash flooding near Left Hand Canyon, Colorado, on September 12.

A city worker talks on his phone while surveying high water levels from Boulder Creek after flash flooding in downtown Boulder, Colorado, on September 12.A city worker talks on his phone while surveying high water levels from Boulder Creek after flash flooding in downtown Boulder, Colorado, on September 12.

Flash flood waters rush over a walking path in downtown Boulder on September 12.Flash flood waters rush over a walking path in downtown Boulder on September 12.

A police officer blocks off a road in Boulder on September 12.A police officer blocks off a road in Boulder on September 12.

A man walks past the swelled Boulder Creek in Boulder on September 12.A man walks past the swelled Boulder Creek in Boulder on September 12.

People stand at the edge of floodwaters in Boulder on September 12.People stand at the edge of floodwaters in Boulder on September 12.

A dive rescue team moves toward floodwaters in Boulder on September 12.A dive rescue team moves toward floodwaters in Boulder on September 12.








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  • NEW: 350 "unaccounted for" in Larimer County, 172 in Boulder County

  • NEW: Governor promises to rebuild "better than it was before"

  • Missing woman is presumed dead, in addition to four confirmed dead

  • Storms resume, 1.73 inches of rain in 30 minutes in Denver




Are you there? Share photos and video if you can do so safely.


Boulder, Colorado (CNN) -- Heavy storms returned to northeastern Colorado on Saturday as rescuers scrambled to take advantage of breaks in the weather to continue reaching stranded residents.


The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of Arapahoe and Adams counties and eastern Denver. The service said 1.73 inches of rain fell in less than 30 minutes at one spot in southeastern Denver.


The warning areas are southeast of the counties most heavily flooded earlier, but the weather service expected thunderstorms across the region Saturday evening and more rain at least through Sunday.


Authorities are worried that any additional water on ground soaked by up to 15 inches of rain will cause more flooding and dislodge mud and debris.


At least four people have been killed.


In addition, a 60-year-old woman was presumed dead after witnesses saw her being swept away by waters that demolished her home, said Nick Christensen, executive officer of the Larimer County Sheriff's Office. Neighbors tried unsuccessfully to rescue the woman, Christensen said. Her body had not been recovered.


The sheriff's office said that about 350 people were unaccounted for in Larimer County. That number jumped sharply Saturday afternoon as rescuers reached more empty homes. The sheriff's office lists such residents as unaccounted for until they are located elsewhere.


In neighboring Boulder County, 172 were on the "unaccounted for" list.


"We're assuming some of them have been stranded. We're assuming that some made their way out and simply haven't contacted us or friends and family to get off the list. We're assuming that there may be further loss of life or injuries," Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle said.


A surveillance mission carrying Gov. John Hickenlooper and members of Colorado's congressional delegation was diverted twice to pick up people waving to be rescued.


After the officials' delayed arrival at a Boulder airport, U.S. Sen. Mark Udall said, "That dog and the cat and those seven people on those two helicopters didn't ask us whether we were Democrats or Republicans." And he promised a bipartisan push in Congress for federal aid for flood recovery.


Hickenlooper said he spoke by phone with U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx , who "was adamant that the $5 million that was released yesterday was just the beginning" of federal assistance.


Experts from Vermont will arrive next week to share lessons learned about improved roadbuilding in the wake of Hurricane Irene, the governor said.


Hickenlooper said he saw many damaged roads with "not just the asphalt taken away, but the entire roadbed, and bridge after bridge missing."


But he promised, "We're going to come back and rebuild better than it was before."









Members of the Colorado National Guard help Boulder County authorities evacuate residents of Lyons, Colorado, to Longmont, Colorado, on Friday, September 13. Flooding has hit the area hard, washing out roads, damaging bridges and destroying homes. Members of the Colorado National Guard help Boulder County authorities evacuate residents of Lyons, Colorado, to Longmont, Colorado, on Friday, September 13. Flooding has hit the area hard, washing out roads, damaging bridges and destroying homes.



The guardsmen are using Light Medium Tactical Vehicles, or LMTVs, which can transport about 16 people with luggage, to assist the evacuation. The LMTVs can navigate through rubble and flooded areas that otherwise could not be reached by rescue personnel. The guardsmen are using Light Medium Tactical Vehicles, or LMTVs, which can transport about 16 people with luggage, to assist the evacuation. The LMTVs can navigate through rubble and flooded areas that otherwise could not be reached by rescue personnel.



Dick and LaRue Vodime, temporary residents of Lyons, Colorado, witness some of the destruction from the floods as they are evacuated to Longmont, Colorado, on September 13. Dick and LaRue Vodime, temporary residents of Lyons, Colorado, witness some of the destruction from the floods as they are evacuated to Longmont, Colorado, on September 13.



Colorado Army National Guard Sgt. David Wilson carries Ezra Villa while escorting Thomas Walter and Melinda Villa to the flood evaluation area in Lyons, Colorado, on September 13, 2013.Colorado Army National Guard Sgt. David Wilson carries Ezra Villa while escorting Thomas Walter and Melinda Villa to the flood evaluation area in Lyons, Colorado, on September 13, 2013.



Residents ride in the back of an LMTV while being evacuated to Longmont, Colorado, on September 13. Residents ride in the back of an LMTV while being evacuated to Longmont, Colorado, on September 13.



A Colorado Army National Guard helicopter takes off from the the Boulder Municipal Airport in Boulder, Colorado, on September 13.A Colorado Army National Guard helicopter takes off from the the Boulder Municipal Airport in Boulder, Colorado, on September 13.



Guardsmen help residents and their pets off a Colorado National Guard Chinook helicopter at the Bolder Municipal Airport in Boulder, Colorado, on September 13. Guardsmen help residents and their pets off a Colorado National Guard Chinook helicopter at the Bolder Municipal Airport in Boulder, Colorado, on September 13.



Colorado National Guardsmen assist residents in unincorporated areas of Boulder County, Colorado. Residents were evacuating the area on Thursday, September 12. Colorado National Guardsmen assist residents in unincorporated areas of Boulder County, Colorado. Residents were evacuating the area on Thursday, September 12.



The guardsmen brought in high-clearance vehicles to take people out of the flooded areas. The guardsmen brought in high-clearance vehicles to take people out of the flooded areas.



People, as well as pets, were loaded onto National Guard vehicles.People, as well as pets, were loaded onto National Guard vehicles.



The rains sent virtually every waterway in Boulder County coursing out of its banks, and massive water flows washed away roads and bridges, flooded homes and stressed numerous other bridges.The rains sent virtually every waterway in Boulder County coursing out of its banks, and massive water flows washed away roads and bridges, flooded homes and stressed numerous other bridges.



Authorities reported between 25 and 30 roads were closed as of Thursday afternoon in Boulder County. Some of them had been washed out entirely. Authorities reported between 25 and 30 roads were closed as of Thursday afternoon in Boulder County. Some of them had been washed out entirely.



Friday's forecast calls for three more days of rain for the area. Friday's forecast calls for three more days of rain for the area.




National Gaurd helps with Colorado evacuations

National Gaurd helps with Colorado evacuations

National Gaurd helps with Colorado evacuations

National Gaurd helps with Colorado evacuations

National Gaurd helps with Colorado evacuations

National Gaurd helps with Colorado evacuations

National Gaurd helps with Colorado evacuations

National Guard helps with Colorado evacuations

National Guard helps with Colorado evacuations

National Guard helps with Colorado evacuations

National Guard helps with Colorado evacuations

National Guard helps with Colorado evacuations

National Guard helps with Colorado evacuations






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National Gaurd evacuatates flood victimsNational Gaurd evacuatates flood victims



Evacuations continued Saturday, but were hindered by drainage issues and flooded roadways, he said. Many residents are isolated.


"It's a sinking feeling," Sheriff Pelle said of knowing that emergency responders may not be able to reach everyone who needs help.


Residents got some relief Friday and Saturday when rains subsided, giving a clear view of towns turned into abrupt lakes, homes and businesses inundated with muddy water and bridges devoured by raging creeks. Homes dangled off cliffs.


In Larimer County, there were 46 medical rescues on Friday, and teams continued looking for those unaccounted for on Saturday.


In expansive Weld County, 140 roads were closed because of the flooding.


Hundreds of residents were evacuated Friday, including 162 people transported by air from Jamestown because roads to the city were impassible, Boulder County EMS spokesman Ben Pennymon said.


Human toll


Currents swept away a woman who got out of her car Thursday in Boulder County. A man jumped out of the car to save her. Both drowned.


Authorities have recovered both bodies, Pelle said. Another body was found in a collapsed home in Jamestown in the same county. Rescuers recovered another body on a roadway in Colorado Springs in El Paso County.


In Denver, rushing waters swept a man into a drainage pipe with his dog. Both were saved after traveling two blocks in the water, police said.


Impact Your World: How to help in Colorado


President Barack Obama declared an emergency for Boulder, Larimer and El Paso counties, FEMA announced Friday. The declaration allowed FEMA to bring in four rescue teams, the largest ever deployment in Colorado, officials said.


The clear skies allowed for an uptick in evacuations Friday and earlier Saturday.


National Guard troops using "high-profile" trucks to wade through water evacuated 550 people from the Boulder County town of Lyons, CNN affiliate KUSA reported.


It had been cut off since the flooding began Wednesday night -- without water or sewer service, in many cases without electricity.


Emotional rescues


Melinda Villa was stranded in her apartment with her 1-month-old baby in the inundated town. She had no phone service, no water and was running out of formula and food.


Then the National Guard arrived.


"It just really felt like God came down and saved us," she said.


Some had to rescue themselves.


Catherine Smith and Mandy Stepanovsky lived in a part of Lyons that is accessible only by bridges.


"When those became compromised -- one bridge completely blew out and the other one was very much impassible -- we started looking at other options," Smith said.


So the couple decided to hike for 2 miles to safety -- with their 8-month-old toddler in their arms. Walking was the only way out.


They hiked to Smith's brother's house, where they showered and ate a meal before the weather caught up with them again.


A mudslide suddenly brought mud, debris and water through the house, Smith said. They were forced to run to higher ground.


"It was terrifying," Smith said.


Jonathan Linenberger described a Noah's Ark-style evacuation as he, his fiancee, four dogs and three cats greeted the National Guard truck.


"We had to go (through) knee-deep water, at least. We had to wade our animals across into the truck to get them there," said Linenberger. "That was the first thing you can grab, your loved ones -- and that's what we have."


The National Guard also was evacuating the entire population -- 285 people -- from the town of Jamestown by helicopter, CNN affiliate KCNC-TV reported.


In Larimer County, Sheriff Justin Smith surveyed the heavily damaged Big Thompson Canyon by air Friday. Some people remain stranded in homes there, he said, "How we're going to get them out -- it's going to take a damn long time."


However, he said the break in the rain allowed school buses to begin evacuating students who had been stranded at a school.


HLNTV.com: 8 stunning Colorado flooding Twitter photos


CNN's Ben Brumfield reported and wrote from Atlanta; Nick Valencia reported from Longmont, Colorado. George Howell reported from Boulder; and Ana Cabrera reported from Lyons. CNN's AnneClaire Stapleton, David Simpson, Jack Hanna, Janet DiGiacomo, and John Branch contributed to this report.



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