Bluff residents shelter in place, San Juan County schools closed due to flooding

BLUFF, San Juan County — All Bluff residents were asked in an emergency alert to shelter in place or move to higher ground Monday morning due to floodwaters.

Residents received the request at around 3 a.m. after the slot canyon Cottonwood Wash began flooding, according to a San Juan County Facebook post and the Utah Division of Emergency Management.

"If water approaches your home, move to an upper floor," the county said. "Stay away from Cottonwood Wash, the San Juan River, and flooded areas. Keep medications, supplies, and pets with you."

Hours later, San Juan County posted an update, saying the Comb Wash Bridge was washed away.

"Highway 163, west of Bluff near the junction of Highways 163 and 191, is CLOSED due to the Comb Wash Bridge being washed out. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS," the post said. "Avoid the area, obey all road closure signs, and use alternate routes. Flooding continues to create dangerous road conditions."

An evacuation center was set up at Blanding High School for evacuees and San Juan County asked the public not to drive through floodwaters.

San Juan County government offices were also forced to close on Monday due to weather, ongoing floods and concerns for public safety.

"Emergency response and essential public safety services will continue operating," San Juan County stated. "We appreciate everyone's understanding as we continue to monitor and respond to the ongoing weather conditions throughout San Juan County."

In addition, the San Juan County School District was also forced to close all of its schools on Monday due to weather, flooding and road conditions. The school district said Montezuma Creek Schools would also be closed on Tuesday and students would participate via virtual learning.

"Conditions will continue to be monitored," the school district said in a Facebook post. "Please check the school website, your email, and the SJSD app for school-specific information and additional updates."

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