A powerful flash flood swept through Arizona’s Grand Canyon on Saturday, killing at least one person, leaving around 15 people missing or unaccounted for and forcing the evacuation of dozens of hikers and campers. State and federal officials intensified search-and-recovery efforts Monday as forecasters warned that additional thunderstorms and flooding could hit the region.
Flood watches and alerts have been issued for Arizona, Utah and Colorado, including areas around the Grand Canyon, Phoenix, Zion National Park, Moab, Aspen, Vail and Durango.
Forecasters warned that additional thunderstorms could produce intense rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving one to three inches of rain and isolated storms producing more than an inch in an hour.
The National Weather Service has emphasized the danger posed by saturated soils, dry washes, slot canyons, steep terrain and wildfire burn scars.
