Governor Spencer J. Cox declared a 30-day state of emergency for San Juan and Washington counties on Nov. 6, 2026, following severe thunderstorms and flash flooding that damaged homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The declaration, signed as Executive Order 2026-09, allows the state to mobilize resources for local recovery efforts and request federal or interstate assistance.
Infrastructure and Roadway Damage
The state of emergency follows a period of damaging floods that occurred between Oct. 22 and Nov. 1, with some areas experiencing multiple flood events. According to an executive order from the Governor's office, the severe conditions were exacerbated by historic drought conditions, record low water levels, low soil moisture, and high temperatures, which contributed to hardened ground surfaces and increased the risk of flash floods and debris flows.
In San Juan County, floodwaters caused significant damage along U.S. Route 163 and state routes 162 and 262. One of the most severe impacts involved the Comb Wash Bridge on U.S. Route 163 at Milepost 38, which sustained significant embankment erosion and the loss of its approach slab. This damage left a gap between the roadway and the bridge, necessitating an immediate and indefinite closure of the highway.
Flooding near Montezuma Creek and Bluff also caused damage to road shoulders, resulting in localized closures and controlled traffic detours on State Route 162 and State Route 262.
Impact on Utilities and Water
Beyond transportation routes, the storms compromised critical utility infrastructure. Damaged water lines have impacted access to drinking water in several affected areas. Additionally, the flooding compromised telecommunications and fiber infrastructure.
Governor Cox stated that the repeated flooding has disrupted access to drinking water and cut off important travel routes. The Governor noted that the declaration is intended to support local efforts and provide resources to affected Utahns, expressing gratitude for the emergency responders and crews working to maintain public safety.
The full magnitude and physical extent of the damage to public roadways, bridges, culverts, and associated utilities cannot be fully quantified until the floodwaters completely recede.
Election Accommodations and Local Response
The state's emergency declaration was prompted after local communities declared their own states of emergency and requested additional support from Utah's state departments and agencies. The executive order allows the state to request mutual aid assistance from other states through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact if required.
Prior to the governor's declaration, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson issued a Declaration of Emergency Election Accommodations on Nov. 2, 2026. Due to the significant flooding in San Juan County, this declaration allows affected voters in the county to receive and return their ballots electronically.
Legal Status of Emergency
The executive order signed by Governor Cox on Nov. 6, 2026, remains in effect for 30 days unless the Utah Legislature extends the state of emergency. The declaration was issued under the authority of the Disaster Response and Recovery Act, found in Title 53, Chapter 2a of the Utah Code.
