MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. — Heavy rain near the Waldo Canyon burn scar brought flooding and debris that damaged at least 20 homes in the Manitou Springs area Monday.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office says 6-8 of those homes have significant damage.
Authorities also warned people about the emergency via Twitter:

“People within Hwy 24 corridor and Manitou Springs should avoid low lying areas,” the tweet said. “Don’t enter flood waters.”

The Colorado Springs Fire Department says 163 people were evacuated from the Pikes Peak RV Park because of rising water.

The Red Cross opened an evacuation shelter at the First Congregational Church of Manitou at 103 Pawnee Ave. A second one opened the First Presbyterian Church at 105 N. Weber in Colorado Springs.

Westbound Highway 24 was backed up for miles while officials closed the road one mile west of Manitou Springs to clear mud and debris from the road.

Then, word came the highway was closed westbound at 31st Street in Manitou and eastbound at Fountain Ave. in Cascade. Drivers were advised to avoid Highway 24 altogether at about 6:00 p.m.

Highway 24 reopened in both directions a little after 7:00 p.m. when crews finished clearing mud and debris from the road.

There were a handful of other street closures due to high water and mud on the roads in Manitou Springs.