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TAYLORSVILLE — Overnight flooding caused by rainfall has displaced 75 people in a residential area.
In some areas in mid-Salt Lake Valley, 1/2 an inch of rain fell. In Taylorsville, the rainwater flooded the bottom floor of an apartment building in the area of 4545 South Atherton Drive, reaching about 24 apartments. All units took on at least 3 to 4 inches of water.
"Right now we prefer the rain rather than a dry thunderstorm because of fire conditions," said Unified Fire Department Captain Clint Meacham. "But Mother Nature has a tendency to — just when you think you're on top of things — make you think otherwise."
One family said at least a foot and a half of water swept through their apartment Thursday morning. They rushed to clear out their possessions before they became wet.
"She mostly helped me, but I helped her in the sense of getting out of there and getting everything picked up," said Donte Whittacker. "You gotta be the man and not panic."
Whittacker said he was glad nobody was hurt in the flood.
"I'm glad I woke up in time without being electrocuted," he said. "I have things plugged in, so I'm glad I had time to get it contained and get out of there."
Unified Fire responded Thursday morning, locating the source of the flood and cleaning up. The Red Cross was also on the scene to help.
The cleanup is expected to take some time, and it is unclear when people are going to be able to get home. Fire officials said some may displaced for several days.
