Flash flood warning issued for Northern Colorado

A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Denver at 11:40 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17. This warning applies to Larimer County.

The NWS warns: “Move to higher ground now. Act quickly to protect your life. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION! Heavy Rainfall will cause extensive and severe flooding of creeks, streams, roads and culverts in the affected part of the Cameron Peak burn area. Rock slides or debris flows can also be expected across roads in the warning area.”

See weather radar for Northern Colorado

What are NWS meteorologists saying?

At 11:40 a.m., the NWS issued a statement:

“The National Weather Service in Denver has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: Central Larimer County in north central Colorado, Until 2:15 p.m. MDT. At 11:40 a.m. MDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain near Pennock Pass, or 21 miles west of Fort Collins, moving east at 10 mph. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. The storm producing the flooding is over rural areas of Central Larimer County, moving east at 10 miles per hour.

HAZARD: Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding on the Cameron Peak burn scar.

SOURCE: Radar indicated.

IMPACT: Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, roads, and low lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Pennock Pass and Glen Haven.”

What is a flash flood?

A flash flood is a flood caused by heavy or excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than 6 hours, according to the NWS. Flash floods are usually characterized by raging torrents after heavy rains. A flash flood can be sudden and violent and take just minutes to develop. It is possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

What’s the difference between a flash flood watch and a flash flood warning?

A flash flood warning is issued when a flood is imminent or occurring, the NWS says. If you are in a flood prone area, you should move immediately to high ground.The NWS issues a flash flood watch when flash flooding is possible.

What to do during a flood warning

• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
• Do not walk through floodwater. Just six inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.
• Turn around, don’t drown; do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by two feet of moving water or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.
• Watch out for fire hazards.
• Move to higher ground.
• Stay alert, turn weather notifications on.
• Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.

Reporters Jana Hayes and Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez contributed to this article.

This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.

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