Salt Lake City, Utah — Governor Spencer J. Cox has declared a 30-day state of emergency for San Juan and Washington counties after severe thunderstorms and flash flooding damaged homes, businesses, roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure across southern Utah.

WHAT IS HAPPENING:

The governor signed the executive order on Friday, November 6. It takes effect immediately and stays in effect for 30 days unless the Utah Legislature extends it. The declaration lets the state move resources to support local response and recovery work, and it lets Utah ask for federal and interstate help if it is needed.

LOCAL IMPACTS:

The damaging floods hit between October 22 and November 1, and some areas flooded more than once. Local communities had already declared their own emergencies and asked state departments for more help.

In San Juan County, floodwater did heavy damage along U.S. Route 163 and state routes 162 and 262. The Comb Wash Bridge on U.S. Route 163 had to close right away after erosion left a gap between the roadway and the bridge. Flooding near Montezuma Creek and Bluff damaged road shoulders and forced localized closures and detours.

The storms also damaged water lines, cutting off drinking water access in some areas, and knocked out telecommunications and fiber lines. Officials say the full extent of the damage to roads, bridges, utilities, and other public infrastructure will not be known until the floodwaters fully recede.

WHAT TO DO:

If you see water rising around you, get to higher ground immediately.

Turn around, do not drown. Never drive through flooded roads or around barricades.

Stay away from damaged bridges and washed-out roadways.

Follow instructions from local emergency officials and check on neighbors who may need help.

Source: Gephardt Daily, November 6, 2026. Reported by TNW News.