Hazardous weather forecast for eastern Utah, including flash flood warning in Zion

SALT LAKE CITY — Tuesday evening looks like it could hold some wild weather day for the eastern portion of Utah, stretching the southern border with Arizona through the northern border of Wyoming.

The National Weather Service Salt Lake City office issued notices for hazardous weather, a flash flood watch for the Canyonlands region and a flash flood warning for western Kane and eastern Washington counties.

Meanwhile, in Salt Lake City, temperatures soared to 100 degrees again, making 2022 the year with the most triple-digit heat days ever recorded with 22. Forecasts see more days coming up that could extend that record.

Flash Flood Warning

The flash flood warning said that there would be life threatening flash flooding of creeks, rivers, slot canyons and streams including Clear Creek, Pine Creek and Spry Canyon in Zion National Park.

“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads,” NWS said. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.”

NWS said the flash flood was reported and forecast by trained spotters and said the flash flood damage threat is “considerable.”

Flash Flood Watch

A flash flood watch for the Pack Creek Fire burn area is in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday. It said flash flooding and debris flow caused by excessive rainfall is possible. That includes a portion of southest Utah including Canyonlands, Natural Bridge and the La Sal and Abajo mountains.

Residents near the burn area should prepare for potential flooding according to the NWS.

“Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars.

Hazardous Weather Outlook

Isolated thunderstorms are possible over Utah’s eastern border regions Tuesday afternoon and evening NWS said. The portion of Wyoming above Utah was also part of the forecast.

“Lightning and wind gusts to 40 mph would be the primary threats,” NWS said.