Flash floods rush through Herriman, flooding streams, yards

HERRIMAN — A powerful thunderstorm sent floodwaters and mud shooting down dry creek beds Thursday, leading to problems in multiple neighborhoods within the city's boundaries and into Riverton.

Video shared by the city's Twitter account showed floodwaters raging along Midas Creek, as the city cautioned about an active Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory that was in effect.

Near 11900 South along 3600 West, one neighborhood appeared particularly hard hit, with mud caking onto sidewalks and yards and floodwaters extending out into the street.

Neighbors said at least one home sustained flooding damage in the basement.

"It just came down so fast, so hard," said Tim Palmer, who came over to help one resident clear damage out of his yard. "All the debris from not cleaning it out over the years finally just built up and started plugging things up."

He said he'd never seen anything like it up close.

"Mother Nature — she can really be unruly," Palmer said.

Several blocks to the east, a detention pond filled with water, mud and debris.

"There's a lot of tires, balls, trees — a lot of junk coming down here," said neighbor Shawn Nageli.

Nageli said his son asked if he could bring his kayak over to the park, which essentially turned into a lake.

"He says, 'Dad, can I get my kayak out into the water?' and I said, 'Fine, OK,'" Nageli shrugged. Nageli said his son was excited to have been able to retrieve balls and even tires that were carried down to the park by the floodwaters.

Herriman officials had cautioned its residents to stay away from dry creek beds until the waters receded.

"Remember, the purpose of these dry creek areas is to divert excess water," the city tweeted. "It can become dangerous for any individual, especially children, to get close to these creeks. Please keep watch and stay away until the water recedes."

Related topics