A flood watch has been issued for several areas across Utah, including Zion National Park and the Central Mountains, due to the potential for flash flooding from excessive rainfall. The National Weather Service Salt Lake City reports that the watch will be in effect from Wednesday morning through Thursday evening.
The weather alert covers a wide range of locations, including Torrey, Cove Fort, Alton, St George, Joes Valley, Fish Lake, Escalante, Bullfrog, Kanab, Ivins, Big Water, Loa, Brian Head, Bryce Canyon City, Panguitch, Hurricane, Circleville, Springdale, Hanksville, and Koosharem. In these areas, a late season surge of tropical moisture is expected to bring widespread moderate to heavy rainfall, with local totals potentially exceeding 3 inches through Thursday evening.
A separate flood watch has been issued for Castle Country and the San Rafael Swell, including Emery, Castle Dale, Goblin Valley, Price, and Green River. This watch is scheduled to be in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening, with local rainfall totals expected to exceed 2 inches through Thursday evening.
The National Weather Service warns that excessive runoff may result in the flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, dry washes, and slot canyons. Low-lying and flood-prone locations, such as slickrock areas and recent burn scars, are also at risk. Additionally, backcountry roads may become impassable due to flooding.
The anticipated weather is driven by a late season surge of tropical moisture bringing widespread rainfall to southern Utah and moderate to heavy rainfall to eastern Utah. Officials advise people in the backcountry to ensure they have alternative routes available in case primary routes become impassable, and all residents should monitor forecasts and be prepared to take action if Flash Flood Warnings are issued.
Residents in affected areas are encouraged to monitor later forecasts and remain prepared for possible Flash Flood Warnings.
