Flash floods swept away hikers and prompted evacuations across the western United States on a weekend marked by torrential rain, the latest weather disaster to hit the region and its famous wildlife parks.
A woman was still missing Monday after being swept away by flooding Friday in Utah’s Zion National Park, famous for its red rock cliffs and canyons. The sudden rise in water also injured another hiker, dredged hundreds of meters and blocked several more until rescued by rangers, the NPS said.
Some 200 visitors also had to be evacuated after being trapped for several hours by rising waters in caves in Carlsbad National Park, New Mexico, without injury.
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These flash floods occurred after heavy rains in the southwestern United States, affected by a persistent drought for more than twenty years.
According to the US Weather Services (NWS), North Texas and parts of Mississippi could get up to 7 inches of rain this week.
“Most of this rain will be beneficial and welcome compared to the current drought … but flash flooding is still possible in urban areas and in areas with poor drainage systems,” he warned the NWS.
Flash flood warnings were issued around Dallas in North Texas on Monday. “Back up … when you encounter flooded roads. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles,” the NWS said.
Source: BFM TV
