SALT LAKE CITY — Following days of flash flooding and the majority of the state of Utah being under a flood watch, Governor Spencer Cox has declared a state of emergency in Beaver, Piute, and Sevier counties.
The declaration activates Utah's Emergency Operations Plan, allowing the state to continue deploying resources to protect residents and support recovery efforts.
“Utahns have endured an incredibly difficult wildfire season, and now many of these same communities are facing life-threatening flooding caused by those fires,” said Gov. Cox. “This declaration ensures we can continue providing every available resource to help local communities respond, recover and prepare for the continued flood risks that remain throughout the summer. We are grateful to the firefighters, emergency managers, law enforcement officers, public works crews and countless others working around the clock to keep Utahns safe.”
The executive order will remain in effect for 30 days unless extended by the Legislature.
According to the National Weather Service, "Widely scattered showers and thunderstorms developing in the afternoon will be capable of producing heavy rainfall that can lead to flash flooding."
The dangers, they say, will be especially high in slot canyons, normally dry washes, and recent burn scars. Flooding will also be possible in urban areas and those without proper drainage.
The service suggests anyone planning to be outdoors on Wednesday reconsider those plans and that anyone in the areas where flooding is possible have multiple ways to receive warnings to evacuate.
“Our emergency managers, first responders and local officials have been working tirelessly to protect lives and restore essential services under extremely challenging conditions,” said Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason. “This declaration strengthens our ability to coordinate resources across all levels of government and ensures affected communities receive the support they need as response efforts continue.”
I have declared a state of emergency in Beaver, Piute, and Sevier counties as communities respond to devastating wildfires and the dangerous flooding that has followed.
— Governor Cox (@GovCox) July 22, 2026
This declaration will help the state continue providing resources to protect lives and property, support local… pic.twitter.com/mxENcgr8RQ
The town of Junction is under a boil-water advisory following flooding in City Creek and Junction on Tuesday. Officials say residents should boil any water before consuming it, although the water is safe for personal hygiene.
Bottled water is available at the Junction Fire House, and additional cases have been requested by officials.
