Heavy flooding in Grand Canyon National Park prompts evacuations and power outages
Heavy flooding just south of the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park has led to shelter-in-place orders, power outages, and the evacuation of over 100 residents and guests, according to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. The town of Tusayan and State Route 64, the southern entrance to the national park, experienced flash flooding up to 3 feet deep after receiving 2 to 3 inches of rain in a short time on Tuesday afternoon.
The Grand Canyon Unified School District asked around 70 students to shelter in place on school property, but they were later reunited with their families on Tuesday night. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
State Route 64 south of Tusayan was initially closed as the park’s fire and swift-water rescue teams responded to the scene. Authorities have advised visitors to avoid all travel to and from Tusayan until the floodwaters recede. Although the highway has been cleared for travel, access remains limited.
Power outages were also reported in the area as crews worked to clear the damage caused by the flooding.
The school district provided dinner for the students while they sheltered on campus and announced a delayed start time for school on Wednesday.
Tusayan, a resort town near the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, experienced widespread flooding, according to the National Weather Service. Images shared on Facebook by Grand Canyon National Park show significant flooding, with a law enforcement vehicle appearing to sink in the floodwater. The area is also littered with trees and debris.
Coconino County is coordinating an urgent response with Tusayan and Park Service officials to ensure public safety. The county is mobilizing resources to assist with emergency shelters, clear debris from roads, and help with evacuations if necessary.
A flood advisory for the area has been extended through Wednesday morning. The weather service has warned of standing water covering roadways and expects flooding to continue in some buildings.
What actions are being taken by Coconino County, Tusayan, and Park Service officials to ensure public safety and coordinate an emergency response to the flooding near Grand Canyon National Park?
Heavy flooding near the entrance of Grand Canyon National Park has caused a range of disruptions, including shelter-in-place orders, power outages, and the evacuation of over 100 residents and guests. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office reported that Tusayan, a town located near the southern entrance to the park, experienced flash flooding up to 3 feet deep after receiving 2 to 3 inches of rain in a short period on Tuesday afternoon.
As a result, the Grand Canyon Unified School District asked approximately 70 students to remain on school property for shelter-in-place measures. However, they were later able to reunite with their families on Tuesday night. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported at this time.
Initially, State Route 64, the highway south of Tusayan, was closed while the park’s fire and swift-water rescue teams attended to the situation. Authorities are advising against travel to and from Tusayan until the floodwaters have receded. While the highway has been cleared for travel, access remains limited.
The flooding also caused power outages in the area, as crews work to clear the damages caused by the flood.
In response to the situation, the school district provided dinner for the students while they sheltered on campus and announced a delayed start time for school on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service reported widespread flooding in Tusayan, a resort town located near the southern rim of the Grand Canyon. Images shared on Facebook by Grand Canyon National Park depict significant flooding, including a law enforcement vehicle seemingly sinking in the floodwater. The area is also scattered with trees and debris.
Coconino County is working closely with Tusayan and Park Service officials to coordinate an emergency response and ensure public safety. The county is mobilizing resources to assist with emergency shelters, clear debris from roads, and facilitate evacuations if necessary.
A flood advisory for the area has been extended through Wednesday morning. The weather service has issued warnings of standing water on roadways and anticipates continued flooding in some buildings.
