The aftermath of the Zion National Park flash flood.Photo: AP/Shutterstock
Officials are working to clean up Zion National Park after they say a flash flood came barreling through the popular Utah site.
The shocking images capture the mud, debris and boulders that are covering the park’s roadways — many of which appear to be flooded or damaged with broken pieces of asphalt.
Visitors also took to social media to share what they were witnessing at the park, including afrightening mudslideduring the flash flood and adebris-littered entrancefollowing the storm.
“Visitors should expect traffic delays, debris on roads, and potential closures of trails and parking areas as clean-up continues and damage is being assessed,” apark official wrote in a press release on Wednesday.
Damage from the flash flood in Zion National Park.AP/Shutterstock
News of the flash flood was first announced on Tuesday after Zion National Park said they received"a little over an inch of rain in an hour."
Due to the flooding and an ongoing Search and Rescue operation, the park’s main roadway, State Route 9, was closed to inbound traffic, the press release stated.
Traffic in the park was also diverted outbound at the South and East Entrances while staffers worked to remove debris from the roads and visitors were urged to avoid the area.
By Wednesday, clean-up efforts had begun as thepark announced it would be in “modified operations.”
Cleanup efforts at Zion National Park.AP/Shutterstock
Flash floods at Zion National Park.AP/Shutterstock
“Motorists should exercise caution,” park officials wrote in the press release. “This includes the reopening of SR-9, the South and East Entrances for inbound and outbound traffic, the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Park Store, and park and in town shuttle operations. "
Officials also noted that the oversized vehicle lot was closed until further notice due to the damage from the flash flood.
Visitors who were still in the park and required the oversized vehicle lot amid clean-up operations were advised to park in town, where officials said more spots were available.
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Moonsoon season typically runs from mid-July through September,according to park officials.
To avoid getting caught in a flash flood, officials urge visitors to know the weather and theflash flood potential ratings, which predict the likelihood of a flood passing through the area, before their trips.
“If bad weather threatens, do not enter a narrow canyon,” officials added. “Three critical steps to flash flood safety are: get to higher ground, do not drive in water, and stay informed. When an area is flooded turn around, don’t drown.”
source: people.com
