Heavy flooding in Grand Canyon National Park prompts evacuations and shelter-in-place orders
Heavy flooding just south of the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park has led to evacuations and shelter-in-place orders, according to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. The popular Arizona tourist destination saw more than 100 residents and guests evacuated due to the flooding.
The nearby Grand Canyon Unified School District asked about 70 students to shelter in place on school property, but they were later reunited with their families. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
The area experienced 2 to 3 inches of rain in a short period on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in flash flooding up to 3 feet deep in the town of Tusayan and on state Route 64, the southern entrance to the national park. State Route 64 south of Tusayan was temporarily closed as the park’s fire and swift-water rescue teams responded to the scene. 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 Grand Canyon National Park shared images on Facebook showing significant flooding, including a law enforcement vehicle sinking in the floodwater. Debris, including trees, could be seen scattered throughout the area.
Park authorities have advised visitors to avoid all travel to and from Tusayan until further notice. Coconino County is currently coordinating with Tusayan and Park Service officials to ensure public safety. The county is mobilizing resources to assist with emergency shelters, debris clearance, and potential evacuations if necessary.
A flood advisory has been extended through Wednesday morning, with the National Weather Service warning of standing water covering roadways and continued flooding in some buildings.
The Grand Canyon Unified School District has set a delayed start time for Wednesday, and the school provided dinner for students while they sheltered on campus.
Tusayan, a resort town near the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, has been particularly affected by the widespread flooding.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are urging residents and visitors to stay updated on the latest information and follow any instructions or advisories issued by local authorities.
What measures are being taken by local authorities to assist the affected communities in Tusayan and prioritizing public safety
Grand Canyon National Park: Devastating Flooding Triggers Evacuations and Shelter-in-Place Orders
In a shocking turn of events, heavy flooding near the entrance of Grand Canyon National Park has resulted in evacuations and shelter-in-place orders. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has been diligently working to ensure the safety of residents and visitors amidst this dire situation. So far, over 100 individuals have been evacuated from this renowned Arizona tourist destination due to the flooding.
Additionally, the Grand Canyon Unified School District had initially asked around 70 students to seek shelter on school grounds. However, these students have since been reunited with their families, bringing some relief to concerned parents. Miraculously, no injuries have been reported thus far.
This catastrophic event occurred when the area received an astonishing 2 to 3 inches of rainfall within a short period on Tuesday afternoon. As a result, flash flooding up to 3 feet deep wreaked havoc in the town of Tusayan and on state Route 64, the southern gateway to the national park. To ensure the safety of everyone involved, state Route 64 south of Tusayan was temporarily closed, enabling the park’s fire and swift-water rescue teams to swiftly respond to the emergency. Although the highway has been reopened for travel, access remains restricted.
Adding to the chaos, the region experienced power outages as frantic crews raced against time to clear the damages caused by the flooding. Alarming images shared by the Grand Canyon National Park on Facebook depict the severity of the flooding, with a law enforcement vehicle sinking in the floodwater. Debris, including uprooted trees, is scattered throughout the area, illustrating the extent of the devastation.
Taking into account the ongoing risks and hazards, park authorities strongly advise visitors to avoid any travel to or from Tusayan until further notice. The Coconino County is actively collaborating with Tusayan and Park Service officials to prioritize public safety. Efforts are being made to mobilize resources for emergency shelters, debris clearance, and potential evacuations if the situation escalates further.
To exacerbate matters, an extended flood advisory has been issued through Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service has warned about standing water submerging roadways and the likelihood of continued flooding in certain buildings. This serves as a clear indication that the threat is not yet over.
As a result, the Grand Canyon Unified School District has implemented a delayed start time for Wednesday. Furthermore, the school has ensured that students, while taking shelter on campus, are provided with dinner to alleviate any additional concerns.
Tusayan, a picturesque resort town near the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, has been particularly devastated by the widespread flooding. The residents and local businesses are grappling with the aftermath of this unimaginable disaster.
In these trying times, it is of utmost importance that residents and visitors stay updated on the latest information and diligently follow any instructions or advisories issued by local authorities. By doing so, we can collectively navigate through this crisis and minimize its impact on the affected communities.
Wow, that must have been scary for everyone involved! Stay safe, Arizona. 💦
I hope everyone affected gets the support they need during this difficult time. Sending my thoughts and prayers from afar. 🙏🏼🌧️