Sudden Deluge Leaves Americans in the Southwest Waterlogged, Shell-shocked

A sudden deluge buffeting the American Southwest has left towns and cities from Utah to Arizona stunned. Bountiful, Utah was bathed in 1.69 inches of rain in a single day. In Springville, 1.66 inches pushed into basements and flooded waterways. Salt Lake City watched as its streets ran with feet of rampant flood waters, the ceaseless downpour causing storm sewers to overflow. Both the Interstate 10 and the Interstate 15 were closed for safety reasons as the powerful thunderstorm system continued barreling through Utah, Arizona, and other southwestern states last week.

Record Rains Leave Waterlogged Homes
In an average year, homeowners will spend approximately $19 billion on home improvements and repairs across the country. Following the recent storm cell in the Southwest, however, chances are that average will tick up slightly. According to recent statistics from FloodSmart.gov, torrential downpours and resultant flooding cost Americans $4 billion in repairs every year. Those with adequate flood insurance will find a helping hand to get their homes back into shape. For many, like the Schmitz family in St. George, Utah, however, the four feet of mud and water that entered their home during last week’s event likely means having to start from scratch, regardless of any outside assistance.

In Arizona, the state hardest hit by last week’s meteorological meltdown, people have lost much more than a home. The Grand Canyon State saw record rainfalls, submerging roads in up to four feet of water, flooding cars and leaving many stranded. So far, two are confirmed dead, with flood waters said to have “swept” cars — and their drivers– away, leaving those behind the wheel to drown.

Do you live in the Southwest? What steps have you taken to help guard your home against increasingly violent inclement weather? Let us know in the comments below.