Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
BLANDING, Utah (Oct. 26, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Utah, working with community partners, opened an emergency shelter Sunday at San Juan High School in Blanding to assist people displaced by severe flooding in the Four Corners region. Evacuation orders have been issued for Bluff, Montezuma Creek and Aneth as rising floodwaters threaten communities along the San Juan River.
People displaced by the flooding can go to the emergency shelter at San Juan High School, 311 N. Bronco Blvd., Blanding, UT 84511. To find open Red Cross shelters and disaster relief services, visit redcross.org/shelter or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The National Weather Service has warned of potentially catastrophic flooding along the San Juan River between Four Corners and Mexican Hat. Heavy rainfall has pushed the river toward dangerous levels, flooding roads, closing bridges and forcing families to leave their homes. Flood warnings remain in effect through Tuesday morning.
“When families are forced to leave their homes because of flooding, they don’t know when they’ll be able to return or what they’ll find when they get there,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “We can’t take away that uncertainty, but we can give them a safe place to stay and people they can turn to for help.”
Severe Flooding Threatens Communities Along San Juan River
Evacuation notices were issued Sunday for Bluff, Montezuma Creek and Aneth as the San Juan River continued to rise. On Sunday evening, people living south of Highway 191/Main Street in Bluff were ordered to evacuate as floodwaters reached the community.
Several roads and bridges have been closed, making travel dangerous and limiting access to some areas. People in affected communities should continue monitoring emergency alerts and follow instructions from local officials.
Red Cross Continues Flood Relief Efforts in Hurricane
Red Cross volunteers continue helping families recover from severe flooding in Hurricane, last week, providing assistance and distributing cleanup kits to support recovery efforts.
Heavy rainfall Thursday sent floodwaters and debris through neighborhoods, damaging roads and other infrastructure. Hurricane officials declared a local emergency after preliminary assessments found that approximately 80 homes and 50 trailers at Willow Wind RV Park were affected by the flooding.
Red Cross volunteers have also been working with families to assess their needs and determine what additional assistance may be necessary.
Flood Safety Tips
The Red Cross recommends these flood safety precautions:
Stay Informed
The free Red Cross Emergency app provides weather alerts, shelter information and preparedness guidance. The Red Cross First Aid app includes step-by-step instructions for common injuries and emergencies. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or visit redcross.org/apps.
More flood safety information is available at redcross.org/flood.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
