A mandatory evacuation was ordered for the Grove area in Beaver County after flooding caused damage to infrastructure and disrupted essential services, according to the Beaver County Sheriff's Office.
Officials stated that no one, including residents, is permitted to enter the Grove while damage assessments are underway. Access to the area is currently restricted to emergency response personnel.
The Sheriff's Office reported that while Beaver City is not under an evacuation order, residents were warned not to drink tap water due to contamination concerns. Officials advised against using tap water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, or preparing food, and recommended using bottled water instead.
The Grove area, from the canyon ballfield east, may be completely without water service.
Travel in the region has also been impacted. According to the Utah Department of Transportation, Interstate 15 has reopened in both directions between mile markers 95 and 111 in Beaver County, though motorists were urged to use caution. State Route 153 remains closed between mile markers 3 and 35 east of Beaver due to the Cottonwood Fire.
An emergency shelter was established for residents displaced by the flooding at the Karl Truman Gym at Beaver High School. The shelter is operated with assistance from the American Red Cross and is free to use without identification.
According to the Red Cross, the shelter provides safe sleeping areas, meals, phone charging stations, basic first aid, and caseworkers. Service animals are welcome, and staff will assist with coordinating lodging for household pets.
Authorities are utilizing aircraft to assess flood damage and have requested that the public avoid flying personal drones in the area to prevent interference with emergency response operations.
For additional information, residents can contact Beaver County Dispatch Supervisor Paul Wolden at 435-438-6433. Those requiring shelter assistance or looking for loved ones can contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
