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TERRIFYING video shows record flooding and mudslides at Yellowstone National Park due to heavy rainfall

The flooding along with rockslides and mudslides on roadways has led officials to shut down all the entrance gates of the Yellowstone National Park

The Yellowstone National Park was struck down by a massive flood that was caused due to "unprecedented" rainfall. “Due to record flooding events in the park and more precipitation in the forecast, we have made the decision to close Yellowstone to all inbound visitation", said superintendent Cam Sholly on Monday, June 13. The flooding came along with rockslides and mudslides on roadways that led the National Park Service to shut down all the entrance gates of the Yellowstone National Park. Some roads were washed out and others were covered in mud or rocks according to the park service.

"6/13/22 at 11:12 a.m. UPDATE: All entrances to Yellowstone National Park CLOSED temporarily due to heavy flooding, rockslides, and extremely hazardous conditions; Stay informed about road status and weather conditions," the Yellowstone National Park Twitter account wrote in a post. Yellowstone National Park posted several pictures of the damage caused by the flooding, with one picture showing a road badly damaged while floodwaters can be seen rushing nearby. The post also noted that the flooding could cause rockslides.

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A video of the flooding was posted by a Twitter user with a caption, "Crazy sight here in Gardiner Montana #yellowstone #flooding."

In the 24 hours before midday Monday, more than two inches of rain fell on several cities near Yellowstone, including Quadrant, Wyoming (2.68 inches); West Yellowstone, Montana (2.11 inches); Soda Butte, Montana (2.82 inches); and Gardiner, Montana (1.29 inches). "Rainfall is expected to continue for the next several days. Flood levels measured on the Yellowstone River are beyond record levels", a statement by Yellowstone read.

The flooding also led to the power cut in many regions, officials said. The massive national park spans 2,219,789 acres, mostly in Wyoming but also in neighboring Montana and Idaho. Summer is the park's busiest tourist season. The announcement that all park entrances will be closed came shortly after the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for Yellowstone National Park and some surrounding areas. "Flooding caused by excessive rainfall will continue for the Gardiner River, the lower Yellowstone River, and the Lamar River in Wyoming," the National Weather Service said.

Park superintendent, Sholly further said in the statement that efforts are underway to "evacuate the northern section" of Yellowstone because of "multiple road and bridge failures, mudslides and other issues." "Due to predictions of higher flood levels in areas of the park’s southern loop, in addition to concerns with water and wastewater systems, we will begin to move visitors in the southern loop out of the park later today in coordination with our in-park business partners", Sholly said.

"We will not know the timing of the park’s reopening until flood waters subside and we're able to assess the damage throughout the park Sholly said. "It is likely that the northern loop will be closed for a substantial amount of time", she added.