A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for large portions of southern Utah through this evening, with an expansion announced to include Friday afternoon and evening for parts of southwest and south central Utah.
The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City stated that flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall remains possible for these areas.
The expanded watch for Friday afternoon through Friday evening covers Bryce Canyon Country, South Central Utah, Southern Mountains, Upper Sevier River Valleys, Lower Washington County, Southwest Utah, and Zion National Park.
Locations included in this timeframe are Bryce Canyon City, Cedar City, Kanab, Alton, Koosharem, Escalante, Circleville, Springdale, Milford, Brian Head, Ivins, Beaver, Panguitch, St George, and Hurricane.
Excessive rainfall may lead to the flooding of slot canyons, normally dry washes, slick rock areas, and low-lying or flood-prone locations. Specific areas of concern include recent burn scars such as Forsyth, France Canyon, Cottonwood, and Monroe Canyon. Flooding may also occur in urban areas and places with poor drainage.
A separate Flood Watch remains in effect through this evening for the San Rafael Swell, Capitol Reef National Park and vicinity, Western Canyonlands, and the Glen Canyon Recreation Area/Lake Powell.
This area includes locations such as Hanksville, Loa, Big Water, Green River, Torrey, Bullfrog, and Goblin Valley.
Similar risks of flooding in slot canyons, dry washes, and burn scars exist for these locations.
The National Weather Service advises residents to monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action if Flash Flood Warnings are issued.
Additional safety information regarding flooding can be found at http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
