Salt Lake County Mayor issues state of emergency after spring runoff

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson has issued a state of emergency after spring runoff lead to flooding in several areas of the county.

Speaker Wilson is live at 10:35 to talk about the flooding in Utah

 

The announcement from Salt Lake County follows Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s emergency declaration for the Salt Lake City and Emigration Canyon Metro Township.

These are the areas at the highest risk of flooding due to record-breaking snow and the associated spring runoff:

• Red Butte Creek
• Emigration Creek
• Big Cottonwood Creek
• Little Cottonwood Creek
• Millcreek

With a declaration of emergency in place, the county can access more state and federal resources if needed. It also allows the county to use emergency response teams and certain equipment.

While we remain concerned about flooding, the amazing response from volunteers and our crews, and volunteers is heartening. So grateful to the neighbors who stood arm in arm with SLCo and SLC crews. Our teams are working around the clock to protect our community. https://t.co/pjKZ1EgoGQ pic.twitter.com/aqIp16oorD

— Mayor Jenny Wilson (@SLCoMayor) April 13, 2023

 In her declaration, Mayor Wilson said she was thankful for the community response late Wednesday night.

“I’m proud to live in a community where people step up when it’s needed. While we remain concerned about flooding, the amazing response from impacted residents, our crews, and volunteers is heartening,” Wilson said via statement.

“I’m so grateful to the neighbors who stood arm in arm with Salt Lake County Flood Control and Salt Lake City crews to protect homes.”

The declaration lasts for 30 days and can be extended by the Salt Lake County Council if needed.

Related reading:

• Mayor issues emergency order after Sugar House flooding
• Where to get sandbags to help mitigate possible flooding in Utah

Follow @SimoneSeikaly