ST. GEORGE — The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued a flash flood warning on Tuesday morning for Southern Utah, including Zion National Park and Springdale.
The warning is in effect specifically for areas within east-central Washington County until 1:45 p.m. MDT, with heavy rain producing flash floods.
At 10:47 a.m., doppler radar indicated heavy rain across the warned area. Between 0.25 and 0.5 inches of rain have fallen. According to Zion National Park officials, flash flooding is already occurring across many flood-prone areas of Zion National Park.
The warning forecasts life-threatening flash flooding of slot canyons, creeks and streams and normally dry washes.
A flash flood warning also was issued for southwestern Kane County in effect until 2:45 p.m. MDT, with thunderstorms forecast to cause life-threatening flash flooding.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Buckskin Gulch, House Rock Valley Road, Wire Pass and The Wave, as well as Paria River and Coyote Wash.
Just after noon, the weather service issued a special weather statement about a strong thunderstorm expected to impact portions of south central Piute, northwestern Garfield and northeastern Iron Counties through 12:30 p.m.
At 12:03 p.m., doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 15 miles north of Panguitch, or 16 miles southwest of Junction, moving northeast at 25 mph.
Penny-size hail was forecast and could coat roads such as state Route 89, between mile markers 141 and 165. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible. Locations impacted include Junction, Circleville and Kingston.
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
Precautions
Remain alert for flooding even in locations not receiving rain. Dry washes, streams and rivers can become raging killer currents in a matter of minutes, even from distant rainfall.
A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are in the warned area, move to higher ground immediately. Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate precautions to protect life and property.
In hilly terrain there are hundreds of washes and low-water crossings that are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.
Precautions
Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. The public should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action.
Turn around. Don’t drown.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and the National Weather Service offer the following safety rules for flash flooding:
- Flash flood waves, moving at incredible speeds, can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges and scour out new channels. Killing walls of water can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet. You will not always have warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming. When a flash flood warning is issued for your area or the moment you first realize that a flash flood is imminent, act quickly to save yourself. You may have only seconds.
- Most flood deaths occur in automobiles. Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. The road bed may not be intact under the water. Just one foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road. If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away.
- Do not hike rivers and especially slot canyons while flash flood warnings are in place.
- Do not hike alone and always tell someone where you and your buddy and others are going.
- Get out of areas subject to flooding, including dips, low spots, canyons and washes.
- Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not try to cross a flowing stream on foot where water is above your knees.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
During any flood emergency, stay tuned to official weather reports via radio, television and social media. Cell phone users can also sign up to receive weather alerts as text messages. You can also follow St. George News and Cedar City News for weather alerts and updates relevant to Southern Utah.
For the most current conditions, warnings and advisories, go to the National Weather Service-Salt Lake City office website.