(Photo Credit: NPS Photo)
Popular summer travel destination Yellowstone National Park is closed, effective immediately, due to unprecedented flooding.
The park closed all five of its entrances on Monday, June 13. It will also be closed on Tuesday, June 14, and possibly longer, depending on how the situation progresses.
Record rainfall is causing mass flooding inside the park, with fast-moving waters sweeping away bridges and damaging several roads. Large mudslides are blocking some roadways, making them impassable right now. Portions of the park are also suffering from power outages.
(Photo Credit: NPS Photo)
“The community of Gardiner is currently isolated, and we are working with the county and State of Montana to provide necessary support to residents, who are currently without water and power in some areas,” said Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly. “We will not know timing of the park’s reopening until flood waters subside and we’re able to assess the damage throughout the park. It is likely that the northern loop will be closed for a substantial amount of time.”
Park officials say flood levels are beyond record levels, with some areas already seeing 3 feet of water across the road. And there is more rain in the forecast this week.
Park officials are urging that anyone with plans to visit Yellowstone National Park closely follow updates on the park’s news release page. You can also text “82190” to 888-777 for road updates or call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message.
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