Areal Flood Warning, Washington County, flooding reported

THIS ALERT will be updated as further notices are issued throughout the day

SOUTHERN UTAH – The National Weather Service has issued an “Areal Flood Warning” for Washington County today in effect until 5 p.m.

Conditions – The NWS Doppler radar indicated heavy rain over the warned area and rain gauges in the area indicate heavy rain is falling.

Timing – 11:01 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Dots denote affected area at radar time 11 a.m., Southern Utah, Sept. 11, 2013 | Image courtesy of the National Weather Service
Dots denote affected area at radar time 11 a.m., Southern Utah, Sept. 11, 2013 | Image courtesy of the National Weather Service

Affected areas – Widespread heavy rain is falling over much of central Washington County. Small streams and normally dry washes will be running high through much of today. Urban flooding has been reported with sand bagging in progress in Hurricane. Additional heavy rain can be expected through the day.

Most threatened – Small streams and normally dry washes in the warned area are likely to be running very high as the rain runs off the Pine Valley Mountains.

Precautionary and preparedness actions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and the National Weather Service offer safety rules for flash flooding:

  • Conditions may develop that lead to flash flooding.  Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation.
  • 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. Case in point: In July 2013 a tour bus in Arizona tipped over and got swept nearly one-half mile down an otherwise dry wash.
  • 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. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, et cetera.
  • 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 your NOAA weather radio, commercial radio, or television, follow St. George News at STGnews.com and St. George News Facebook for weather alerts and updates relevant to Southern Utah. Information from the national weather service and disaster and emergency services may save your life.

Turn around, don’t drown.

Related posts – Storm, flash flooding

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2013, all rights reserved.

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1 Comment

  • Sgnative September 11, 2013 at 1:52 pm

    We have a good 6-8 inches of water in our firepit in Washington. Crazy rain !

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