Governor Cox declares state of emergency following southern Utah flooding
Gov. Spencer Cox declared a 30-day state of emergency Friday, November 6, in San Juan and Washington counties following weeks of severe thunderstorms and flash flooding that damaged homes, businesses, roads and critical infrastructure across southern Utah.
The declaration, issued through Executive Order 2026-09, allows Utah to mobilize additional resources for recovery efforts and seek federal or interstate assistance if needed.
The flooding occurred between October 22 and November 1, with some communities experiencing repeated storms that compounded earlier damage.
In San Juan County, floodwaters severely damaged U.S. Highway 163 and state routes 162 and 262. Erosion at the Comb Wash Bridge on U.S. 163 created a gap between the roadway and bridge, forcing an indefinite closure of the highway. Flooding near Bluff and Montezuma Creek also damaged roads, water lines and telecommunications infrastructure.
In Washington County, flooding caused extensive damage in Hurricane, where homes and recreational vehicles were inundated. Some residents experienced repeated flooding during the fall.
“Repeated flooding has damaged homes, disrupted access to drinking water and cut off important travel routes,” Cox said. “This declaration will help us support local efforts and get resources to affected Utahns.”
The emergency order also highlights the relationship between prolonged drought and flash flooding. According to the declaration, historically dry conditions, low soil moisture and extended periods of heat have contributed to hardened ground surfaces that increase the risk of dangerous runoff and debris flows during intense storms.
Although Kane County is not included in the emergency declaration, the conditions described in the order reflect hazards common throughout southern Utah, where dry washes and steep terrain can produce destructive flash flooding.
The declaration took effect immediately and will remain in place for 30 days unless extended by the Utah Legislature. State officials say the full extent of infrastructure damage may not be known until floodwaters completely recede.
