WAYNE COUNTY, Utah, Sept. 1, 2021 — Flash flooding in southeast Utah left some residents near the Fremont River fighting overflow.
“At 9:51 p.m. MDT, local law enforcement reported river flooding along the Fremont River between Caineville and Hanksville,” a statement from the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City reported.
“Flood waters are expected to continue down stream through the Dirty Devil River. Flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. A significant rise and river flooding is expected along the Dirty Devil River between Hanksville and Hite Marina.”
Hanksville resident Melissa Avery experienced the floods first hand. She shared videos on Facebook that captured images including a car submerged to the headlights in flood waters, and a driver wading away from a car through waist-deep waters.
“Please keep Hanksville in your thoughts and prayers,” Avery wrote in her post, which she allowed Gephardt Daily to share.
“Our town is completely flooded and many are experiencing loss. I’m feeling very blessed that our home is okay and we were able to help some people!”
The National Weather Service shared general safety guidelines:
- Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
- Flooding is occurring or is imminent. It is important to know where you are relative to streams, rivers, or creeks, which can become killers in heavy rains. Campers and hikers should avoid streams or creeks.
