Colo. flooding leaves 3 people dead

LYONS, Colo. (AP) — Heavy rains and scarring from recent wildfires sent walls of water crashing down mountainsides early today in Colorado, cutting off mountain towns, forcing the University of Colorado to cancel classes, and leaving at least three people dead.

Boulder County was hit hardest, with up to 6 inches of rain falling over 12 hours. But flooding was reported all along the Front Range, from Colorado Springs to north of Fort Collins.

Capt. John Burt of the Colorado State Patrol said a storm cell moved over the mountains during the night, headed east over the Plains, then circled back around. The National Weather Service warned of an "extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation" throughout the region as the flooding forced people from their homes and caused mud and rockslides in some areas.

"Move to higher ground now. Act quickly to protect your life," the Weather Service warned throughout the morning.

Gabrielle Boerkircher, spokeswoman for Boulder Office of Emergency Management, said many roads were blocked and volunteers were trying to help stranded people until emergency crews could arrive.