Homes, businesses flooded in southern Utah after heavy rain

HANKSVILLE, Utah — Officials with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office said cleanup efforts are underway after heavy rain hit the area, flooding several homes and businesses Wednesday.

Deputies said flooding was reported on state Route 24 in Capitol Reef National Park and severe flooding hit the Hanksville area.

“Excess rainwater from the Henry Mountains and the desert overfilled the Bull Creek drainage, causing several homes and businesses to flood extensively,” officials said. “Cars and camp trailers were damaged and swept away by the water.”

KSL Meteorologist Grant Weyman said over 1″ of rain fell across parts of the area Wednesday.

Search and rescue crews responded to the area while state troopers diverted traffic away from flooded areas and roads.

Hazmat crews were called in from Green River to help secure a 500-gallon propane tank that was carried away by floodwaters and released a cloud of gas, creating a potentially hazardous situation.

Hanksville Mayor Jeffren Pei said all residents and visitors were safe and accounted for, and crews from Sevier and Emery counties assisted Wayne County officials in going door-to-door to check on residents.

State emergency officers are assisting local officials in Hanksville and surrounding areas this morning. We are grateful for the safety of everyone and quick action of first responders to the flooding last night. https://t.co/BAsNB7OrCD

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) September 2, 2021

“Wayne County Fire Chief Steve Lutz and members of the Torrey/Teasdale fire department traveled as far as the road closure to the west and checked the welfare of the residents upstream affected by the flooding — all were safe and accounted for,” officials said.

Cleanup efforts have already begun at homes and businesses that were damaged by floodwaters, but officials said it would take days to determine the extent of the damage.

Gov. Spencer Cox said state officials responded to assist local authorities Thursday morning.