WATKINS, Colo. — At least one person was killed after three vehicles were swept away in rough waters in Watkins during inclement weather overnight, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office.
First responders began receiving calls about a vehicle that had been washed out in the rough waters in the area of N. Watkins Rd. and E. 6e Avenue around 11:30 p.m.
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When first responders arrived at the scene, they found there were two cars swept away in a field, but its occupants had gotten out or been rescued, according to Arapahoe County Deputy John Bartmann, who said to Denver7 that the circumstances surrounding the operation were unclear because they were assisting Bennett Watkins Fire Rescue who was handling the scene.
Deputies said a third vehicle ended up west of Watkins and 6e Ave. in what is normally a dry creek bed. South Metro’s water rescue team was then called in to perform a water rescue, but that operation turned into a recovery on Thursday morning.
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No information about the driver involved was immediately available, but deputies said that person was the only one inside the vehicle at the time.
“We’re about to have another round of storms,” Bartmann said, warning people not to drive through rough waters. “The ground is so saturated with water that there is nowhere to go (further precipitation).”
Denver7 meteorologist Lisa Hidalgo predicted another round of severe weather Thursday afternoon with large hail, heavy rain and possible isolated tornadoes beginning around 2 p.m. as part of flood advisories and warnings.
The stormy system will push eastward throughout the afternoon and early evening.
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