Utah towns evacuate due to floods near Zion National Park

SALT LAKE CITY -- Two Utah towns near the south entrance of Zion National Park are being evacuated, amid fears that a dam may fail on the Virgin River.

The National Weather Service says Trees Ranch Dam, just south of the park, could fail Tuesday afternoon.

Officials say residents in Rockville and Virgin have been evacuated. Rockville has about 250 residents and Virgin, around 570

The national park has been closed. Guests at the Zion Lodge and campers have been evacuated.

The Washington County sheriff's office says flooding wiped out one of two bridges to the southern Utah town of Gunlock, more than 40 miles east of Zion, and several roads are closed.

Mayor Daniel McArthur also declared a state of emergency in St. George, downstream about 40 miles.