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Park visitors face flood danger out West while severe storms rip through NY, NJ
Severe weather brought life-threatening flash flooding to both coasts of the United States, with storms battering the Northeast while monsoon rains continued to lash the Southwest. The National Weather Service issued warnings across Utah and Colorado, disrupting travel and raising flood risks for visitors to national parks, while New York and New Jersey were hit by intense storms that caused widespread disruption.
Elsewhere, Texas faced particularly severe flooding, with the Guadalupe River rising 35 feet and more than two feet of rain falling in 72 hours, leaving the town of Uvalde impassable. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency across 59 counties, and Texas A&M Task Force Search and Rescue teams were deployed to assist with evacuations amid the widespread flooding emergency.
In short
- Flash flooding hit both US coasts, disrupting travel and park visits
- Utah and Colorado issued flood warnings amid ongoing monsoon rains
- Texas declared emergency in 59 counties after Guadalupe River surged 35ft
Explained simply
Flash flooding happens when heavy rain falls faster than water can drain away, causing rivers and normally dry areas to rise quickly. In the western United States, monsoon storms can bring intense rain to dry landscapes, including areas around national parks, where visitors may be far from roads or shelter.
The National Weather Service issues warnings when dangerous conditions are expected, and local authorities may close roads or arrange evacuations. Flooding can disrupt travel and threaten residents, park visitors and rescue teams across several states.