SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Gary Herbert issued an executive order Tuesday afternoon declaring a state of emergency due to potential flooding.
The order came one day after Herbert mobilized about 200 National Guard soldiers to prepare for flooding.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for much of Utah as what remains of Tropical Storm Rosa moves across the state. Communities near burn scars created by recent wildfires are at increased risk for flash flooding and debris flow.
Flash flood watches were in effect in parts of Arizona, California, Nevada and Utah.
“Our communities, state agencies and Utah National Guard have been in lock step in their preparations for this storm. I am grateful for their efforts, as well as the efforts of volunteers who have stepped in to help fill and place sandbags,” Herbert said in a statement announcing the state of emergency.
“As we continue to work together, we will do everything we can to protect life and property. I urge all residents in at-risk areas to heed all warnings and orders from local public safety officials.”
Remnants of the storm drenched parts of the desert Southwest on Tuesday, trapping some drivers on swamped Phoenix streets as authorities in several states prepared for more flash flooding.
Rosa, a hurricane that was downgraded to a tropical storm and then to a tropical depression, reportedly killed one person in northwestern Mexico before moving north into the U.S.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Meh! This one has been pretty weak, considering all the warnings. Phoenix got some rain but no disaster.