Governor Spencer J. Cox declared a state of emergency for San Juan and Washington counties on November 6, 2026, following severe thunderstorms and flash flooding. The declaration, issued in an executive order, aims to protect people and property while expediting the use of state and federal resources.
The emergency follows damaging flood events that impacted multiple communities in San Juan and Washington counties between October 22 and November 1. These events caused significant damage to homes, businesses, roadways, bridges, and critical utilities. Torrential waters and debris flows resulted in structural failures, washouts, and severe erosion along state routes, including US Route 163, State Route 162, and State Route 262.
On US Route 163, the Comb Wash Bridge at Milepost 38 sustained significant embankment erosion and a loss of the approach slab. This damage created a gap between the roadway and the bridge and exposed abutment piles, necessitating an immediate and indefinite closure of the highway. Additionally, State Route 162 and State Route 262 experienced critical flooding, overtopping, and shoulder damage near Montezuma Creek and Bluff, which required localized road closures and controlled traffic detours.
The flooding has also compromised critical local utility infrastructure, including exposed telecommunications and fiber lines. Damaged water lines have impacted access to drinking water in the affected areas. Officials noted that the full extent of the damage to public roadways, bridges, culverts, and utilities cannot be fully quantified until flood waters completely recede.
The order noted that historic drought conditions, record low water levels, low soil moisture, and high temperatures contributed to hardened ground surfaces, which increased the risk of flash floods and debris flows. Local communities have already declared local states of emergencies and requested support from Utah state departments and agencies.
The state of emergency is effective immediately and is scheduled to remain in effect for 30 days unless the Legislature extends it.
