Second round of severe floods in 2 months for Hurricane Homeowners |
Residential and basement flooding |
Flash flooding near St George brought another exhausting cleanup to Hurricane, where water spilling from Gould Wash reached roughly 130 homes on Thursday.
For some households, the damage reopened a wound that had barely begun to heal after flooding in August.
In neighborhoods near 150 South and 850 West, residents and volunteers worked to keep muddy water from spreading farther indoors.
Basement flooding was especially punishing for families facing a second round of repairs, lost belongings and uncertainty about what comes next.
One homeowner described a heavier surge and more mud than during the earlier flood, saying changes in the creek bed appeared to affect the flow.
That account captures the worry across the neighborhood: cleanup is difficult enough without wondering whether the next flood will follow a different path.
Hurricane city crews had positioned workers around town as early alerts warned residents that floodwaters were moving through the area.
Firefighters and volunteers joined homeowners throughout the day, while muddy water also affected roads, bridges and culverts.
A shelter opened at a nearby church building for people who needed to leave their homes, and medical personnel stood by nearby.
At one house, a pump helped remove water as volunteers passed buckets up from a basement below.
The scene showed how quickly residential flooding becomes a neighborhood-wide job, with recovery depending on more than a single household can manage.
People from elsewhere in Hurricane came to help, including young volunteers brought together by neighbors who saw the need for extra hands.
Washington County Water Conservancy District equipment was also put to work at a flooded home, adding support to the effort.
The response was immediate, but the recovery will take longer.
Water may recede in hours, while wet walls, damaged flooring and thick deposits of mud can keep families out of normal routines much longer.
Crews were still assessing the damage late Thursday, leaving the full scope of the storm's impact unclear.
Mayor Clark Fawcett declared a local emergency, a step that could help Hurricane pursue state and federal assistance for cleanup.
For readers in St George, the distinction matters: the reported home flooding occurred in nearby Hurricane, not across St George itself.
Still, the disruption is a reminder that communities across the area can face sudden, costly flood damage when a wash overflows.
For the families hauling out mud again, the immediate priority is simpler: make their homes livable and feel secure there once more. |
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We had flooding at our place years ago in a different city and the mud smell stays forever it feels like. Hope these families get real help fast.
Teresa M.The mud smell is no joke. We dealt with it after a pipe burst and that's nothing compared to a flood. These families are going to be dealing with it for a long time.
Anyone know if there are still opportunities to volunteer or donate somewhere for these families? Feels like there should be a list somewhere.
Young volunteers coming out to help is really nice to see. Says a lot about the community there in Hurricane.
Denise AlbrightGrew up in Hurricane and that tracks completely. People there really do show up for each other. Glad those volunteers came out, every extra set of hands matters in a situation like this.
Wet walls and mud are the worst part honestly. The water goes away but you deal with the mess for weeks or months after.
kevin_utahredTotally agree. People see the water recede and think it's over but you've got soaked insulation, warped subfloors, mold risk. It drags on way longer than most people realize.
The city had crews out early which is good. At least the warning system is working even if we can't stop the water itself.
Lori PaceAgreed, early warnings make a real difference. Gives people at least a little time to move things off the floor or get out. Could have been worse without that heads up.
Nice that a church opened up as a shelter so fast. At least people had somewhere to go while waiting it out.
Basement flooding twice in one year would break me. Those families are stronger than I am.
Washington County Water Conservancy District helping out is great but what is the long term plan for Gould Wash. This keeps happening.
Paul WhitmoreExactly what I was thinking. Appreciate the help but a real fix for that wash needs to happen before next monsoon season. Feels like a bandaid every time.
My aunt is on 150 South. She just finished replacing flooring from August. I don't even have words right now.
sandy_g87Oh no. Brand new flooring gone again? That is heartbreaking. I really hope she has good insurance coverage this time around. Thinking of her.
The volunteers with the buckets in the basement really says it all. Good people showing up for their neighbors out there.
Second flood in the same year with more mud than the first time. Something is clearly different about that creek bed now and somebody needs to look at it.
Glad they clarified this was Hurricane and not St George proper. I was getting texts from family asking if we were okay. Different city people!
jimD_stgeorgeHa I got the same calls. My mom was worried sick until I told her it was over in Hurricane. Would be nice if people knew the area a little better but I get it, news spreads fast.
Good on Mayor Fawcett for declaring the emergency fast. Hopefully that actually brings some real money in for these folks and not just promises.
I live two streets over from 850 West. The water moved so fast Thursday morning. Crazy how quick Gould Wash just dumps everything into the neighborhood.
Prayers for everyone in Hurricane dealing with this again. That neighborhood near 150 South got hit hard in August too. These families can't catch a break.
Brenda K.Same. My cousin is just two streets over from there. First flood was bad enough but doing it all over again before you're even fully recovered is just brutal.