Bluff residents shelter in place, San Juan County schools closed due to flooding

BLUFF, San Juan County — In an emergency alert, all Bluff residents were asked to shelter in place or move to higher ground Monday morning because of floodwaters.

Residents received the request at around 3 a.m. after the Cottonwood Wash slot canyon began flooding, according to a San Juan County Facebook post and the Utah Division of Emergency Management.

"If water approaches your home, move to an upper floor," the post states. "Stay away from Cottonwood Wash, the San Juan River and flooded areas. Keep medications, supplies and pets with you."

Hours later, San Juan County posted an update, saying the Comb Wash Bridge was washed away.

"Highway 163, west of Bluff near the junction of Highways 163 and 191, is CLOSED due to the Comb Wash Bridge being washed out. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS," the post said. "Avoid the area, obey all road closure signs, and use alternate routes. Flooding continues to create dangerous road conditions."

As of 5:06 a.m., U.S. 191 was reopened in both directions between Moab and Monticello.

An evacuation center was set up at Blanding High School for evacuees, and San Juan County asked the public not to drive through floodwaters.

San Juan County government offices were also forced to close Monday due to weather, ongoing floods and concerns for public safety.

"Emergency response and essential public safety services will continue operating," San Juan County officials stated. "We appreciate everyone's understanding as we continue to monitor and respond to the ongoing weather conditions throughout San Juan County."

In addition, the San Juan County School District was also forced to close all schools on Monday due to weather, flooding and road conditions. The school district said Montezuma Creek Schools would also be closed on Tuesday and students would participate via virtual learning.

"Conditions will continue to be monitored," the school district said in a Facebook post. "Please check the school website, your email, and the SJSD app for school-specific information and additional updates."

'We will get through this together'

San Juan County residents experiencing an emotional toll from recent floods can call a disaster distress helpline, according to the Utah Division of Emergency Management.

"You do not have to lose your home or experience physical damage to be affected by a disaster," the emergency management said in a social media post. "Whether you have experienced flooding firsthand, have been displaced, are worried about loved ones, or are simply feeling the stress of everything happening around us, someone is available to listen."

People who call or text the disaster distress hotline at 1-800-985-5990 can find free, confidential emotional support, crisis counseling for disaster-related stress, support for individuals and families impacted by disasters, assistance 24/7 and services in multiple languages, the division said.

"Our communities are strong, and we will get through this together," the post stated.

This story will be updated. To be notified about updates, please click Follow This Story below on the KSL app.

Related topics