Title: Heavy Flooding Prompts Shelter-in-Place Orders at Grand Canyon National Park
Subtitle: Swift Water Rescue Crews Respond as Southern Entrance Impacted by Floods
Date: [Insert Date]
Source: CNN
Heavy flooding just south of the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park has led to calls for people to shelter in place at the popular Arizona tourist destination. Swift water rescue crews have been deployed to the area to respond to the emergency.
According to Coconino County officials, the area was hit by 2 to 3 inches of rain within a short period on Tuesday afternoon. This resulted in floodwater pooling up to 3 feet high in the town of Tusayan and State Route 64, the south entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.
Due to the hazardous conditions, State Route 64 has been closed south of Tusayan, and residents have been advised against unnecessary travel to and from the South Rim of the national park.
“Emergency notifications advising people in the flood-impacted areas to shelter in place until waters recede” have been issued, stated Coconino County officials. As a precaution, students at Grand Canyon Village were held at school, and parents were instructed not to attempt to pick them up until it is deemed safe.
Tusayan, a resort town near the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, experienced widespread flooding as reported by the National Weather Service. Grand Canyon National Park shared images on Facebook showcasing significant flooding and a law enforcement vehicle appearing to sink in the floodwater. The area was also littered with trees and debris.
In response to the situation, park authorities have requested visitors to avoid all travel to and from Tusayan until further notice. Coconino County is coordinating an urgent response with Tusayan and Park Service officials to ensure public safety. The county is also mobilizing resources for emergency shelters, debris clearance, and potential evacuations if necessary.
The flood advisory for the area remains in effect until Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service. They have warned of standing water on roadways and continued flooding in some buildings.
While a few thunderstorms are expected to brush areas east of Tusayan between 7 and 8 p.m. local time, the weather service assures that they will be brief and pose minimal risk compared to the earlier downpour. Tusayan, however, remains the most likely area to experience further flooding.
As the situation evolves, authorities and emergency services will continue to monitor and respond to the flooding in the vicinity of Grand Canyon National Park.