What Happened in Hurricane's Oct. 22 Flood? Quick Answer
Hurricane Mayor Clark Fawcett declared a local emergency on October 22, 2026, after flooding hit the city. The city's preliminary estimate is about 80 homes and 50 RVs at Willow Wind RV Park, roughly 130 residential structures. Bridges, culverts, roads and power boxes were also damaged. Free sandbags are available at five fill sites. Costs are still being assessed.
This report is based on the city's own posts: a press release dated October 22 and two City News posts from October 26 and October 28. We have not independently confirmed damage counts, and the city had not posted a list of closed roads on its news page when we checked on November 2.
What Does the City Say Happened?
According to the city's press release, residents along the affected flood plain received a notification at approximately 8:30 a.m. on October 22. City crews had been sent out ahead of the storm to watch weather conditions and prepare critical infrastructure, and they responded at bridges and Gould's Wash while setting up detours in key areas.
The release says Hurricane City Police, Search and Rescue, surrounding governmental agencies and local businesses helped evacuate residents from flooded areas. Crews have since worked to restore access, clear storm drains and remove mud and debris from roadways, and monitoring of critical areas is continuing.
How Many Homes Were Affected?
The release gives a preliminary figure of approximately 80 residential homes and 50 recreational vehicles at Willow Wind RV Park, which the city counts as an estimated 130 residential structures. It says the full extent and severity of the damage, and any displacement of residents, remain under assessment.
Flooding also damaged or affected bridges, culverts, public roadways and electrical power boxes, the release says. It adds that mud and debris on roadways and possible effects on utility infrastructure have created safety concerns and may disrupt essential services. The city says the extent of damage and the cost have not yet been determined.
What Does the Local Emergency Declaration Do?
The mayor issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency under Utah Code Section 53-2a-208 for the flooding and its effects on private property, public infrastructure, transportation systems and utility facilities. According to the release, the declaration lets the city:
- Continue emergency actions to protect life and property and assess damage
- Establish road closures and safety restrictions and clear debris
- Support affected residents and document emergency response activities and expenditures
- Coordinate and request supplemental assistance through Washington County Emergency Management and the Utah Division of Emergency Management
The city's Emergency Operations Plan has been activated as needed, and the declaration stays in effect until it is terminated as provided by law.
How Do I Get Free Sandbags in Hurricane?
The city's sandbag post says Hurricane has free sandbags. It is a two-step process: pick up empty bags, then fill them at any city sand pile. The city first posted these instructions on October 22 and posted them again on October 28.
| Step | Where |
|---|---|
| 1. Pick up empty sandbags | Hurricane Police Department |
| 2. Fill the bags (any one of these city sand piles) | Fire Station 42 700 W and 400 S intersection 200 W by the ball fields Hurricane Animal Shelter Dixie Springs (3400 W) |
How Can Residents Help Flood Victims?
On October 26 the City News page carried a post titled "Routes & Roots – Flood Relief Fund." It says a local nonprofit, Routes & Roots, "has been established" to assist families affected by the flood and that 100% of the funds will go to the residents. The post links to an online donation form.
That is a nonprofit's fundraiser relayed on the city's site, not a city program, and the post does not describe how the group is organized or how funds will be distributed. SGWOM has not independently verified the organization. Anyone considering a donation can read the post and ask the city at 435-635-2811 first.
What Is Not Yet Known?
- Final damage totals and repair costs. The city says these have not been determined.
- Which roads remain closed. The release mentions detours and closures but does not list streets.
- Whether Washington County or the state will take further action. The release says the declaration allows the city to request help through county and state emergency management; it does not say a request has been approved.
- How many residents remain displaced.
Flooding is a known hazard here. Our report on the Five County hazard mitigation plan notes that the draft rates flooding as likely at least once in 10 years in the region, and our Oct. 20 county commission report covers a separate flood-mitigation contract for a detention basin at Legacy Park in Hurricane, awarded before this storm. For city news and services, see our Hurricane city guide.
Hurricane is also holding bond hearings the same week. See our report on the Nov. 5 hearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Hurricane declare a state of emergency for the flood?
Hurricane Mayor Clark Fawcett issued a Proclamation of Local Emergency on October 22, 2026, under Utah Code Section 53-2a-208. It is a city-level declaration. The city says it allows requests for help through Washington County and Utah emergency management.
How many homes were damaged in the Hurricane flood?
The city's preliminary estimate is about 80 homes and 50 RVs at Willow Wind RV Park, or roughly 130 residential structures. The city says the full extent of damage and any displacement of residents are still being assessed.
Where can I get free sandbags in Hurricane?
Pick up empty bags at the Hurricane Police Department, then fill them at a city sand pile: Fire Station 42, 700 W and 400 S, 200 W by the ball fields, the Hurricane Animal Shelter, or Dixie Springs at 3400 W.
How can I donate to Hurricane flood victims?
The city's October 26 post says a local nonprofit, Routes & Roots, set up a relief fund and that 100% of funds go to residents. It is a nonprofit's fund, not a city program, and SGWOM has not verified it. Call 435-635-2811 with questions.
Which Hurricane roads are closed after the flood?
The city's press release says crews set up detours and may establish road closures, but it does not list specific streets. Residents are told to avoid flooded areas. Check the city's website or call 435-635-2811 for current closures.
Sources: Hurricane City, "Press Release 10/22/26," Oct. 22, 2026; Hurricane City, "Sand Bag Locations," Oct. 28, 2026; Hurricane City, "Routes & Roots – Flood Relief Fund," Oct. 26, 2026
