Search and rescue crews are continuing to look for roughly 15 missing people in Grand Canyon National Park on Monday following weekend flash floods that killed two individuals.
The flooding occurred Saturday when heavy rainfall swept through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, a remote section deep inside the national park. Emergency responders evacuated at least 65 people from the affected zones as fast-moving water rushed through the terrain.
The threat is not over, as meteorologists warn that heavy thunderstorms will continue across Arizona and the Grand Canyon through Monday evening, carrying a sustained risk of flash flooding. In narrow canyon areas, hikers and campers often face life-threatening water rises triggered by storms several miles away, even if the weather appears completely dry directly overhead.
Downpours upstream quickly collect and funnel into tight corridors, sending walls of water downstream with little advance notice.
“This event occurred between a sprawling area of high pressure over the southern Plains and a low pressure area along the West Coast. With this moisture in place, thunderstorms that developed over the region brought bursts of very heavy rainfall which was funneled downstream by the canyon walls,” said Heather Zehr, an expert meteorologist with AccuWeather. “Despite storms moving quickly, this resulted in flash flooding with rapid water rises and very swift water flow.”
Forecasters are currently monitoring a broader band of monsoonal moisture moving through the interior West. Storm systems capable of triggering flash floods, rockfalls, and sudden changes to trail and river conditions are expected across parts of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Forecasters noted that additional localized flash flooding and damaging wind gusts remain possible through Monday night and into Tuesday.
Safety officials and weather experts urge anyone traveling through backcountry areas to monitor local forecasts closely.
“During North American monsoon season, hikers, campers, and rafters need to pay attention to thunderstorms in the area,” said AccuWeather expert meteorologist Alyssa Glenny. “People should seek higher ground if flooding is observed or a warning is issued and should never enter a flooded canyon trail.”
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