Severe weather on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, caused widespread destruction across Utah, including a freight train derailment in Millard County and emergency evacuations in Emery County. The storm system produced extreme winds and heavy rainfall that impacted several regions.
In Millard County, a strong storm moving through Lynndyl caused extreme winds that blew 34 cars off a freight train. According to the Millard County Sheriff's Office, the weather also damaged residential properties and tore the roof off a home.
Sheriff Steve O'Camb described the event as a crazy storm cell and noted that the weather caused serious injuries and shattered windows in homes and vehicles. The Sheriff also stated that the weather may have involved a tornado, though official confirmation is pending.
Prior to 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Millard and Juab counties, including Lynndyl, Leamington, and Little Sahara State Park. The warning specified potential wind gusts of 60 mph and pingpong ball-sized hail.
Emergency responders at the scene observed overturned railcars and a pool of red liquid near the tracks.
Simultaneously, heavy rainfall led to significant flooding in Emery and Kane counties. In Orangeville, emergency crews, public works personnel, and search-and-rescue teams responded to rising floodwaters. The Emery County Sheriff’s Office facilitated the opening of a Red Cross shelter at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building on Main Street in Orangeville for displaced residents. Officials planned to announce sandbag distribution points in response to incoming storms.
Flash flood warnings were extended through 10:45 p.m. Saturday for areas near Bryce Canyon National Park and Big Water. Weather officials urged residents in those areas to seek higher ground and avoid floodwaters.
