A powerful flash flood swept through east Thermopolis late Wednesday after torrential rainfall overwhelmed the area, prompting water rescues, damaging homes and roads, and rupturing a natural gas line.
According to Cowboy State Daily, an estimated 4.25 inches of rain fell in about an hour, nearly half of Thermopolis‘ average annual precipitation. The sudden surge of water inundated neighborhoods, stranded residents and left emergency crews responding throughout the night.
One resident was rescued after becoming trapped inside a trailer as floodwaters rapidly surrounded the home. After waiting for water levels to begin receding, Thermopolis Police Chief Pat Cornwall waded through waist-deep water to reach the residence and safely evacuate the woman along with her dog and pet rabbit. The woman’s vehicle was later found approximately 75 feet from where it had been parked.
The flooding also caused significant damage throughout the area. A natural gas line was ruptured, county roads and bridges sustained damage, fences were washed away and road crews expect repairs to continue for weeks.
Cowboy State Daily also reported the National Weather Service warned that saturated ground could lead to additional flash flooding if more heavy rain develops over the coming days.
The Town of Thermopolis is asking residents to conserve water for the next few days. Officials are requesting that residents avoid yard watering and other excessive water use while flood-related sediment and ongoing work on one of the town’s water plant clarifiers temporarily reduce water production. Normal household water use is not affected.