Heavy rainfall from tropical moisture triggered widespread flooding in parts of Kane County on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, sweeping shipping containers and vehicles downstream and inundating residential properties. The storm, driven by moisture from Hurricanes Polo and Odalys, also prompted the National Weather Service to place central and southern Utah under a flood watch starting Sept. 28.
Kane County Communities Hit Hard
In Kane County, floodwaters surged through Orderville, Glenndale, and Mt. Carmel Junction on Monday evening. The East Fork of the Virgin River and several normally dry washes overflowed their banks, leaving mud and debris across roads and yards. One residence in Orderville reported approximately three feet of water in its basement.
Property Damage and River Surges
The impact in Kane County included significant property damage. At Mt. Carmel Junction, a property owner reported that three shipping containers were swept downstream after a drainage overflowed. KSL meteorologist Matt Johnson reported that rainfall totals of approximately 1 to 1.4 inches fell over the headwaters of the Virgin River and its tributaries. In addition to shipping containers, floodwaters were observed carrying cars and dumpsters through the area.
Stranded Hikers and National Park Flooding
The flooding also affected Zion National Park and surrounding watersheds. Zion National Park dispatch confirmed flash flooding occurred in Heaps Canyon and several other park drainages on Monday evening. Per KSL reporting, six people were stranded on the Barracks off-road trail southwest of Mt. Carmel Junction, and three others were stranded in Heaps Canyon during the event.
Significant River Flooding Observed
The storm's reach extended to the Paria River and Wahweap Creek watersheds. At 11:42 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, weather spotters reported a large flood wave moving down Wahweap Creek toward Lake Powell near Big Water. Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, Sept. 29, a gauge on the Paria River at U.S. 89 recorded a flood wave exceeding 3,000 cubic feet per second. A flash flood warning was also issued for Lick Wash and downstream into Buckskin Gulch.
Tropical Moisture and Weather Drivers
Meteorologists identified the source of the heavy rainfall as tropical moisture from Hurricanes Polo and Odalys. Hurricane Polo, which recently underwent a record stretch at Category 5 strength, is pulling moisture northward from the eastern Pacific. Hurricane Odalys is also contributing moisture while tracking northeast near Polo. An upper-level low over the Great Basin is expected to steer this moisture into Utah, where a cold front could increase thunderstorm intensity.
Central Utah Flood Risks
In central Utah, the National Weather Service placed Lehi, Alpine, Highland, and Cedar Hills within a 15% flash flood risk zone stretching along and south of Interstate 80. ABC4 Utah meteorologist Noah Price reported that the Weather Prediction Center issued a Day 3 Moderate risk for southern Utah, marking the first time the agency has issued such a designation for the region. Price noted that the flood threat confidence was increasing due to the potential for excessive rainfall.
Forecast and Local Impacts
The National Weather Service Salt Lake City office identified recent burn scars, normally dry washes, and slot canyons as the primary areas of concern for flooding. While the agency did not name specific locations within Utah County, local forecasts for Lehi predicted showers on Monday, Sept. 28, with temperatures reaching 72°F, followed by a chance of continued showers Monday night. Drier conditions were expected to return by Wednesday and Thursday as high pressure moved into the area.
