The National Weather Service issued a severe flash flood warning for Garfield and Kane Counties in Utah, according to a report published August 31. The alert, which carries immediate urgency, was issued at 6:30 PM local time and was scheduled to remain in effect until 9:00 PM MDT.
Flash flooding is already occurring in the area. Up to 2.25 inches of rain has fallen, primarily near the town of Escalante upstream of the warning area. The river gauge on the Escalante River at Escalante indicated another flood wave near 2560 cfs that will continue to surge down the river.
Potential impacts include life-threatening flash flooding of the Escalante River. Affected areas include the Escalante River from near the town of Escalante to its terminus at Lake Powell.
Safety officials advise residents to move to higher ground immediately and act quickly to protect their lives. The National Weather Service recommends that people turn around rather than attempting to drive through flooded roads, noting that most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Residents should remain alert for flooding even in locations not receiving rain, as dry washes, streams, and rivers can become dangerous currents in a matter of minutes due to distant rainfall.
