Scores evacuated, tourists barred overnight as flood watch continues
A flash flood at the Grand Canyon killed one person, left about 15 others missing or unaccounted for, destroyed the park’s only water pipeline serving tourists and residents, and forced the evacuation of scores of visitors, the Associated Press reported Monday.
The destroyed pipeline had been the sole water supply for the park’s lodges, hotels, and the year-round residential community within park boundaries.
Emergency water restrictions that began Monday prevent tourists from staying overnight at in-park lodges and hotels. Year-round residents have been asked to conserve water.
The National Weather Service has a flood watch in effect for the Grand Canyon area. Additional rain and thunderstorms were possible Monday.
“With deep monsoonal moisture in place and already saturated soils in some locations, an elevated risk of flash flooding will be in place through Monday,” the weather service said early Monday.
Visiting the Grand Canyon can be particularly dangerous in the summer because of flash flooding that accompanies the monsoon, or rainy season. Clear days can give way quickly to thunderstorms and downpours.