A flood watch remains in effect for much of southern Utah through the evening of October 22, 2026. A late season surge of tropical moisture is expected to bring widespread moderate to heavy rainfall across the region, with local rainfall totals in excess of 3 inches expected through Thursday evening.
The weather alert for Utah includes several areas, such as Castle Country, Central Mountains, San Rafael Swell, Bryce Canyon Country, Capitol Reef National Park and Vicinity, Glen Canyon Recreation Area/Lake Powell, South Central Utah, Southern Mountains, Upper Sevier River Valleys, Western Canyonlands, Lower Washington County, and Zion National Park. Specific locations identified include Bullfrog, Green River, Bryce Canyon City, Big Water, Escalante, Hanksville, Panguitch, Goblin Valley, St George, Circleville, Emery, Brian Head, Loa, Castle Dale, Price, Torrey, Kanab, Alton, Hurricane, Ivins, Koosharem, Joes Valley, Springdale, Cove Fort, and Fish Lake.
Excessive runoff from these storms may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, dry washes, slot canyons, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. This includes slickrock areas and recent burn scars. Backcountry roads may become impassable due to flooding. People in the backcountry should ensure they have alternative routes available in case their primary route becomes impassable.
The weather threat in Utah is part of a broader pattern across the Southwest. In Arizona, flash flooding remains possible through the evening for areas including the Northwest Plateau and the Phoenix metropolitan area. In California, a flood watch is in effect through the evening for the West Side Mountains and various areas in the San Joaquin Valley. Meanwhile, a flood watch is also active through Friday morning for parts of Colorado and the eastern San Juan Mountains.
Residents in affected areas should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
