State of emergency declared for Grand Canyon town flooding, more rain forecast

National Park Service

Coconino County officials have declared a state of emergency after flooding in Tusayan forced the evacuation of 100 people Tuesday. 

Three inches of rain fell in less than an hour, triggering more than 3 feet of flood waters.

Emergency officials had called on residents to shelter in place Tuesday night. Students attending school in Grand Canyon Village were being sheltered and parents were advised not to try to pick children up until waters receded. ADOT had also closed State Route 64. 

A boil water notice has since been lifted in the Grand Canyon’s south rim community.

Officials warned that with more rain in the forecast, further shelter in place warnings or evacuation orders could be on the horizon.