Title: Flooding at Grand Canyon’s South Rim Prompts Evacuations, Power Outages, and Swift Water Response
In recent days, the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park has been ravaged by intense flooding, leading to widespread evacuations, power outages, and a prompt response from swift water rescue teams. Authorities have strongly advised against travel to and from the South Rim, cautioning visitors about the hazardous conditions.
The situation escalated when State Route 64, located just south of Tusayan, had to be closed due to flooded areas, cutting off the primary access point to the national park. However, the good news is that no fatalities have been reported thus far, and roads in the affected area have started reopening, albeit with certain precautions in place.
The relentless rainfall that began on Monday persisted through Tuesday night. The downpour amounted to a staggering 2 to 3 inches, causing flooding and pooling water nearly 3 feet high in Tusayan. Consequently, a flood advisory issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect as the region grapples with the aftermath of the deluge.
The flooding triggered large-scale evacuations, with over 100 people forced to leave hotels and employee housing in the area. In addition, 70 students from the Grand Canyon Unified School District were safely evacuated from their school premises. These swift actions by emergency responders helped ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.
While the State Route 64 has now reopened both inside the park and in Tusayan, power outages persist in the latter area, as repair crews work diligently to clear damaged sections. The Arizona Department of Transportation (DOT) has urged drivers to exercise extreme caution near high water and in rainy conditions, reminding them of the potential hazards that remain.
The flooding at the Grand Canyon’s south rim serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the need to prioritize safety during extreme weather events. Matzav Blog will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the recovery efforts progress.
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