11 visitors trapped as dangerous flash flooding tears through iconic national park

This post was originally published on this site.

Eleven visitors became stranded during flash flooding atBryce Canyon National Parkin Utah after heavy rain swept through the area.

The hikers, all adults traveling in four separate groups, became trapped around 2:30 p.m.Monday as floodwaters affected several popular trails, according toin Salt Lake City.

While none of the hikers was swept away, conditions left the groups unable to continue safely, the outlet reported.

MAN PLUNGES 120 FEET INTO CREEK WHILE TAKING PHOTO AT FAMOUS NATIONAL PARK

About 15 to 20 members of the county’s search and rescue team, emergency medical services and the National Park Service responded to help the stranded visitors.

The rescuers had to wait for conditions to improve in order to move people out safely.

Young man hiking on Peekaboo trail loop in Bryce Canyon National Park.

Heavy rain triggered flash flooding at Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park, pictured above, on Monday afternoon — stranding 11 visitors.(iStock)

Following medical evaluations, two hikers showed signs of hypothermia and were taken to a hospital.

The other nine were released, the outlet reported.

The flooding affected several ofBryce Canyon’s well-known trails, including Fairyland Loop, Navajo Loop, Queen’s Garden and Peek-a-Boo Loop, according to reports.

The incident came during the Southwest’s monsoon season, a period Bryce Canyon officials had warned visitors about earlier this month.

In a recent news release, the National Park Service said August and September can bring rapidly changing weather to the region, with seemingly clear conditions giving way to intenseafternoon thunderstorms.

Bryce Canyon hoodoo rock formations and layered sandstone cliffs under clear blue sky at sunrise.

Two hikers showed signs of hypothermia following medical evaluations — and were taken to a hospital for treatment.(iStock)

Those storms can create hazards includingflash floods, trail washouts, debris-filled waterfalls and rockfalls, according to the park service.

“Weather in the park can shift quickly,” the National Park Service warned in the news release, urging visitors to remain aware of conditions both where they are and upstream.

Park officials also cautioned that flash floods can pose a serious threat inside the canyon and advised visitorsto check weather forecasts and flash-flood potential before heading onto trails.

“We want to help visitors enjoy their experience and take home memories that last a lifetime,” Bryce Canyon National Park Superintendent Allana Olbrich said in the news release.

Tourist looking at the view in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.

Park officials warned that flash flooding can be especially dangerous inside the canyon and urged visitors to review forecasts and flood risks before setting out on trails.(iStock)

“We also want to help them do so safely, and having good information and awareness of the conditions they may encounter in these natural environments can make all the difference in creating those lasting memories,” Olbrich added.

onelink.me/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.

The National Park Service recommends checking current park alerts andNational Weather Service forecastsbefore entering the canyon and adjusting plans when conditions change.