WEATHER

Salt Lake County Mayor issues state of emergency after spring runoff

Apr 13, 2023, 9:00 AM | Updated: 12:15 pm

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson has issued a state of emergency after spring runoff that lead t...

Parleys Creek, swollen by spring snowmelt, surges through Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, Salt Lake County extended its state of emergency through June 13. (Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)

(Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)

BY SIMONE SEIKALY

Digital Content Producer

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.

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