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Flash flooding hit Palo Duro Canyon State Park on Monday as staff members attempted to get them to higher ground. Some cars were trapped in water gaps on the main road and one car was reported to be washed away after driving into high water. Photo courtesy of TPWD/Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Flash flooding hit Palo Duro Canyon State Park on Monday as staff members attempted to get them to higher ground. Some cars were trapped in water gaps on the main road and one car was reported to be washed away after driving into high water. Photo courtesy of TPWD/Palo Duro Canyon State Park
After being hit with heavy rain on Monday, TPWD offi cials in Palo Duro Canyon State Park had to deal with heavy rains on Monday that caused heavy flash flooding in several areas of the park.
Park staff found themselves rescuing people from rising flood waters and according to the trailresources manager, Haley Richardson, one car was washed away and campers were rescued and relocated to higher locations.
According to Richardson several of the bridges were underwater with vehicles caught between water gaps and some staff members stranded in the canyon due to rockslides coming down. The staff at the canyon is equipped with first responders who can begin rescuing people before EMS and fire departments arrive and warn tourists and campers before the flooding occurs whenever possible.
Park officials said camping sites one through nine and Hackberry are prone to flooding.
On Tuesday, the main park road 5 was closed in many areas, until the roads are cleaned up, but the alternate park road 5 is still available for access into the back of the park. Trails will remain closed until further notice.
Officials advise that if planning to visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park, to check the National Weather Alert for Amarillo and park alerts on their website.