Utah hit with another round of severe weather; intense flooding recorded in southern Utah
Aug 17, 2024, 12:03 PM | Updated: Aug 18, 2024, 9:45 am
UPDATE (8:13): A flash flood warning for Kane County has been extended to 2 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service Salt Lake City office. The impacted areas are southeast of Bryce Canyon National Park.
UPDATE (4:55): Heavy rain is being reported across the St. George area, according to the NWS. Residents are being urged to stay away from flooded areas.
UPDATE (3:40 p.m.) — The National Weather Service reported that a flash flood warning was in effect for Kane County until 10 p.m.
A flash flood warning continues for Springdale and Rockville until 6:30 p.m. The NWS also reported a flash flood warning was in effect for Hilldale until 6:45 p.m.
KSL TV Meteorologist Brett Benson said the wet weather is making people reconsider any plans they may have.
“People with outdoor plans this weekend need to pay attention to the weather,” he said. “A wild round of thunderstorms impacted much of the state during the late morning and afternoon hours.”
Benson said the state isn’t done with the storms.
“There is another round of storms expected Saturday evening and overnight for portions of western and northern Utah,” Benson said. “Monsoon moisture is in place and will be one of the driving forces behind more widespread afternoon thunderstorms on Sunday.”
Benson said temperatures remain a little high for this time of the year. However, when storms move through an area there is a “considerable cooldown” behind the storms.
UPDATE — Due to high winds, westbound Interstate 80 was closed at milepost 100 to high profile vehicles for a time on Saturday. The Utah Highway Patrol informed KSL that the highway had been reopened just after 3 p.m. The high winds in the area had dropped to below 45 mph, allowing for the freeway to be reopened.
At 1 p.m. on Saturday, the National Weather Service reported that showers and thunderstorms will increase in intensity throughout Saturday evening across Utah, eastern Nevada and northern Arizona. Rates of 1 inch rain per hour is not out of the question, which could lead to to instances of flash flooding.
SALT LAKE CITY — Weather alerts have been issued across Utah this weekend, as monsoonal moisture brings storms across the state.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Utah and Wyoming until 7 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Utah and Wyoming until 7 PM MDT pic.twitter.com/GiVkOT6MQi
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) August 17, 2024
Southern Utah
On Saturday, flash floods threat areas in southwest Utah, near St. George. Officials have advised people avoid recreating in state and national parks, and to avoid slot canyons.
Rescuers warn about flash flooding risks in southern Utah slot canyons
A flood watch is in effect in San Juan County through Saturday night, due to “excessive rainfall,” according to a Facebook post from San Juan Co. Emergency Management. A flash flood warning was also issued for Kane County, near Zion National Park.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Springdale and Rockville, near Zion National Park. The NWS said to move to higher ground and avoid walking or driving through flood water.
This includes Lake Powell, and other portions of the Glen Canyon Recreation Area.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of normally dry washes, creeks and streams, recent burn scars, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the post said.
Officials advise giving someone your itinerary if hiking or camping, as several search and rescue efforts have been underway this week.
Across Utah, there strong to severe storms are expected Saturday, with potentially damaging wind gusts, hail, lightning, and flash flooding from heavy rain.
Northern Utah
The Salt Lake City valley is expected to have light rainfall Saturday afternoon, with heavier rainfall and “severe thunderstorms” expected into the evening, according to the National Weather Service.
NWS issued a warning that strong winds up to 50 miles per hour may move through the region.
Rain is expected throughout the weekend, with heavier rains moving in on Sunday.
The NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Dugway, Clive, and Knolls, with expected winds up to 70 miles per hour, with “pea-sized” hail.
Over the last two weeks, two deaths have been attributed to people getting caught in storms, and officials are warning people to avoid recreating on bodies of water, and wearing life jackets at all times if you do so.
Reach, Throw, Row, and Don’t Go: Officials offer safety tips for recreating when summer storms hit
On Monday, flooding impacted several homes, and hail damaged fences and cars. Similar storms are anticipated this weekend, while clean-up and repair efforts are still underway.
KSL TV will update weather conditions as new information is issued by officials.
