Tourists stranded, airlifted from flood waters in Capitol Reef National Park

TORREY, Utah (KUTV) — Capitol Reef National Park on Thursday issued a flash flood warning as thunderstorms dropped heavy rain in Wayne County.

The warning was in place for areas inside the park from Sulphur Creek to Sheets Gulch until 3 p.m. which later was extending until 5 p.m.. The warning also extended to nearby towns Teasdale and Grover.

Capitol Reef National Park's Capitol Gorge and Grand Wash areas experienced flash floods very quickly.

Sheriff Jensen with Wayne County said some visitors and park guards were left trapped in both of the flooded regions of the park because the water came in so rapidly.

Officials said seven to eight vehicles were destroyed and taken away by floodwaters between Capitol Gorge and Grand Wash.

A total of six people were hoisted or air lifted from their vehicles by a DPS helicopter and flown to the parking lot area as a result of the floods, leaving about 60 people behind in the area off the scenic route.

No serious injuries were reported. One tourist had a small cut on their arm.

Jensen said some residents were able to drive out of the area once the flood waters receded since the road was not permanently destroyed.

Officials with the National Park Services have recently informed Wayne County Sheriff's Office that they have equipment and shuttles in the parking lot area to transport anyone who are stranded out of the park.

According to Jensen, all stranded tourists will be housed in the local area at a hotel overnight.

Jensen said he was incredibly grateful that there were no fatalities or significant injuries.