Utah
Flash floods could hit Southern Utah Sunday and Monday
SALT LAKE CITY — The National Weather Service has announced a series of warnings for Utah on Sunday. One of those warnings involve “threats of flash floods” for both Sunday and Monday.
The NWS said in a post on its X account that areas in Southern Utah could receive flash floods.
Those areas include:
- Capitol Reef National Park
- Zion National Park
- Western portions of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Other areas that could receive a flash flood include “slot canyons, normally dry washes and areas near recent burn scars.”
“If you have outdoor plans during this time involving slot canyons, please consider rescheduling them,” The post said.
In a moist airmass with little in the way of steering flow, southern Utah will see a heightened threat of flash flooding both Sunday and Monday. If you have outdoor plans during this time involving slot canyons, please consider rescheduling them. #utwx pic.twitter.com/UQVoC4Zu53
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) June 23, 2024
KSL meteorologist Brett Benson explained what pushes in extreme flooding.
“The rivers are running high and then you get these thunderstorms that dump a bunch of extra water in an isolated area,” Benson said.
“It could be dangerous; you’ve got to be careful if you’re out there.”
Bureau of Land Management warns of elevated risks of potential washouts in the canyons and to stay clear of fast-moving rivers and overflowing streams.
Currently, some roads are closed, including Kane Creek Road and heavy debris has been reported on highway 128.
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