GRAND CANYON, AZ (AZFamily) — Less than a month after deadly floodwaters swept across the Grand Canyon, the park was hit with flash flooding again Wednesday as heavy rain pummeled Arizona.
Park officials say a flash flood occurred Wednesday afternoon along Bright Angel Creek, the North Rim Campground and the Colorado River between river miles 79 and 92.
Out of precaution, a closure order has been put in place for the North Rim. The closure is expected to remain in place through Thursday morning as the storm passes and crews continue cleaning up debris.
With flash flood warnings issued and bad weather approaching, crews had already scaled back personnel in the canyon, allowing everyone to reach safety. No injuries have been reported, according to park officials.
Park visitors cannot access the North Rim during the closure. For drivers heading up to the Grand Canyon or traveling in the area, Highway 67 is shut down because of flooding and debris in the road.
Teams will continue assessing the damage Thursday morning.
Officials say Stage 4 water restrictions remain in place after August’s flash flood severely damaged the park’s legacy water pipeline. Guests are being asked to bring their own drinking water and use portable toilets and sinks inside the park.
Last month, devastating flooding tore through as many were visiting or hiking in the national park. Over 80 people were stuck in the canyon when flash flooding hit the Phantom Ranch area, Bright Angel Creek, and the Cottonwood Campground.
Three men, Dr. John Giusti, Brent Rosenkranz and Timothy Allen Smith, were traveling together when they were caught in the floodwaters. Giusti and Rosenkranz’s bodies were recovered days after the flooding.
Remains were recovered near Crystal Rapid earlier this week, which were identified as Smith.
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