San Juan County officials issued urgent evacuation orders for Bluff, Utah, on Sunday evening, Oct. 25, 2026, as floodwaters reached the community and river levels rose rapidly. A flash flood warning was issued for Bluff, while a flash flood watch remained in place for the surrounding area, prompting officials to urge residents to leave the area immediately.
Urgent Evacuation Orders Issued
According to a social media message from San Juan County, an urgent evacuation order was issued at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. The county warned that floodwaters were reaching Bluff and that conditions were changing rapidly.
Officials instructed anyone living south of Highway 191/Main Street, on the river side, to leave immediately. The directive advised residents not to wait and to grab essential items, including go bags, medications, pets, and other necessities. The county advised residents to head north toward Blanding to seek safety.
Rising River Levels and Potential Town-Wide Order
A message released at 8:20 p.m. warned that river levels in Bluff were rising rapidly. While the initial orders were directed at specific areas, officials noted that residents, businesses, and hotel guests were encouraged to voluntarily evacuate rather than risk being forced to leave in the middle of the night.
San Juan County warned that a town-wide evacuation might be necessary as early as Monday morning, Oct. 26, 2026. Officials stated that a continuous siren lasting several minutes, combined with a San Juan County emergency alert, would serve as the signal for a town-wide evacuation order.
Road Closures and Safety Warnings
As of Sunday evening, Oct. 25, 2026, multiple roads were reported closed due to flooding. Highway 162 is flooded and closed from the intersection of Highway 191 to Bluff Bench Road. Additionally, roads in Montezuma Creek are believed to remain closed.
Authorities reminded the public never to attempt to drive through floodwater or cross flooded roads, noting that conditions can worsen quickly and roads may become impassable.
Emergency Shelter and Preparations
A Red Cross shelter has been established at San Juan High School, located at 311 N. 100 East in Blanding, to assist those displaced by the flooding.
Emergency officials advised the public to prepare by ensuring go bags are ready, charging mobile phones, enabling emergency alerts, and keeping vehicles ready for immediate departure. Officials also urged residents to share emergency messages with family, friends, and neighbors, and to check on others only if it can be done safely.
National Weather Service Updates
The National Weather Service Salt Lake City issued the flash flood warning and watch. Residents are encouraged to monitor official social media pages for updates as the situation develops.
