Stream of storms moves through Southern Utah; Washington, Garfield counties under alerts

Standing water was seen around Kanab Wednesday following an afternoon storm, Sept. 13, 2023 | Photo courtesy of city of Kanab Facebook page, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Southeastern Washington County, and specifically Hildale, is under a flash flood warning until 8 p.m.Wednesday.

Lightly shaded area indicates region impacted the the National Weather Service flash flood warning, Sept. 13, 2023 | Image courtesy of Google Maps, St. George News

The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued the alert shortly after 4 p.m., according to a news release. And at approximately 5:46 p.m., Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain over the city of Hildale. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen

Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. Hildale/Colorado City dispatch reported widespread
ponding of water on roadways in the towns.

The weather service warns that life-threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Additionally, drivers are reminded to turn around — don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads, the weather service said.

Garfield County is under a severe thunderstorm warning until 7:45 p.m.

According to a news release, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7 miles north of Bryce Canyon National Park, or 31 miles west of Escalante, moving southeast at 15 mph.

Half-inch hail is possible around the park, Ruby’s Inn, Tropic and state Route 12, between mile markers 9 and 24.

Earlier in the afternoon, a strong cell dropped heavy rain on Kanab, resulting in local flooding and large pools of water around town. A city of Kanab Facebook post offered the following:

Thank you to all those out doing service for your neighbors today. The community members who are filling sand bags, shoveling driveways, and pumping water out of their neighbors home are evidence of how awesome it is to live in Kanab.

Click here to view NWS radar.

Updated Sept. 13, 2023, 6 p.m.: Updates extension of advisory until 8 p.m. and rainfall totals.

Updated Sept. 13, 7:25 p.m.: Adds severe thunderstorm warning for Garfield County.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

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