Gov. Cox declares state of emergency over snowmelt flooding, landslides in Utah

People work to protect homes into the night along 1700 South in Salt Lake City from the rising flow of Emigration Creek through Wasatch Hollow Park on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 | Photo by Francisco Kjolseth/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP, St. George News

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox declared a state of emergency over flooding and other natural disasters tied to the spring runoff, such as avalanches and landslides.

The governor issued the declaration Tuesday afternoon as Utah’s record snowpack continues to slowly melt, noting the measure is meant to help the state “tap into reserve funds” as it deals with flood response and mitigation efforts.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the moisture we’ve received this winter but the extra rain and hefty snowpack present increasing flood risks as the snow melts,” he said in a statement. “By declaring a state of emergency … we’ll be better prepared for what lies ahead this spring.”

He previously issued a declaration recognizing April as “Flood Safety Month” in the state.

Read the full story here: KSL News.

Written by CARTER WILLIAMS, KSL.com.

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