Governor Spencer Cox declared a 30-day state of emergency on Friday, November 6, for San Juan and Washington counties. The move follows weeks of severe thunderstorms and flash flooding that damaged homes, businesses, roads, and critical infrastructure across southern Utah.
The declaration, issued through Executive Order 2026-09, allows Utah to mobilize additional resources for recovery and seek federal or interstate assistance if necessary. According to the order, the flooding occurred between October 22 and November 1, with some communities experiencing repeated storms that compounded earlier damage.
In San Juan County, floodwaters caused severe damage to U.S. Highway 163 and state routes 162 and 262. Erosion at the Comb Wash Bridge on U.S. 163 created a gap between the roadway and the bridge, resulting in an indefinite closure of the highway. Flooding near Bluff and Montezuma Creek also damaged telecommunications infrastructure, water lines, and roads.
In Washington County, flooding caused extensive damage in Hurricane, where homes and recreational vehicles were inundated. Some residents in the area experienced repeated flooding during the fall.
Governor Cox stated that the declaration will help support local efforts and provide resources to affected Utahns as repeated flooding has damaged homes, disrupted drinking water access, and cut off travel routes.
The emergency order also noted that prolonged drought, low soil moisture, and extended periods of heat have contributed to hardened ground surfaces, which increases the risk of dangerous debris flows and runoff during intense storms. While Kane County was not included in the declaration, the order noted that dry washes and steep terrain in southern Utah can produce destructive flash flooding.
The declaration took effect immediately and remains in place for 30 days unless extended by the Utah Legislature. State officials stated that the full extent of infrastructure damage may not be known until floodwaters completely recede.
