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WASHINGTON COUNTY — At 5:57 p.m. Friday, the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for south-central Washington County, effective through 7:30 p.m.
Doppler Radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain upstream from Washington City. This will result in minor flooding in the washes and urban areas.
Precautionary/preparedness actions
Move to higher ground.
Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the freeway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely.
Turn around. Don’t drown.
Read more: Rescue commander tells how to survive a flash flood
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and the National Weather Service offer safety rules for 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
- 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, including dips, low spots, canyons, and washes
- 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.
Related posts
- Flash flood warning for Southern Utah counties
- Flash flood warning for Kane County
- Flash flood warning issued for portions of Washington, Kane counties
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