More storms possible at Grand Canyon where a flash flood killed 1 person and left 15 missing

GRAND CANYON VILLAGE, Ariz. (AP) – State and federal authorities ramped up efforts Monday to find around 15 residents who are missing after a major flash flood swept through in the Grand Canyon, killing at least one person.

What happened

Weather forecasters cautioned rain and thunderstorms could bring more flooding to the popular tourist attraction from where scores of visitors were evacuated after the flood Saturday in Bright Angel Creek. The deluge additionally destroyed the only water pipeline in the canyon, leading to emergency water restrictions for year-round residents. Tourists have been barred from staying at lodges and hotels inside the park.

Video from the area indicated a force of muddy, debris-filled floodwaters carrying what appeared to be remnants of a bunkhouse and rocks. Four "waves of rainfall" over two creek drainages during the weekend resulted in rapid, onset flash flooding, the National Weather Service remarked. The National Park Service notes the area gets less than 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain per year on average.

The bottom line

In short, more storms possible at Grand Canyon where a flash flood killed 1 is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.