Flash flood warning issued for Southern Utah, including Zion National Park

This 2021 file photo shows the aftermath of flash flooding of Zion Canyon, Springdale, Utah, June 29, 2021 | Photo courtesy of Zion National Park, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a flash flood warning for Southern Utah, including Washington and Kane counties. A flood advisory also has been issued for cities throughout Washington County.

The shaded area on the map indicates where the flash flood warning is in effect | Image courtesy of National Weather Service, St. George News

A flash flood warning was issued early Monday morning for west central Kane County and east central Washington County in effect Monday from 5:25 a.m. through 10:30 a.m. The Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area where flash flooding is ongoing and expected.

The weather service has forecasted life-threatening flash flooding from thunderstorms, as well as life-threatening flash flooding of normally dry washes, slot canyons and small streams. Some locations expected to experience flash flooding, according to the weather service, include Zion National Park, Behunin Canyon, Echo Canyon, Keyhole, Pine, Spry Canyons and The Narrows.

The weather service issued a flood advisory just after 7 a.m. that includes Washington City, Hurricane, LaVerkin, Quail Creek State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, Toquerville, Leeds, Virgin and Pintura. The advisory is in effect until 9 a.m.

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Updated 7:13 a.m. Monday, to include flood advisory.

Precautions

Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. The public should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action.

Turn around. Don’t drown.

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

  • 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 official weather reports via radio, television and social media. Cell phone users can also sign up to receive weather alerts as text messages. You can also follow St. George News and Cedar City News for weather alerts and updates relevant to Southern Utah.

For the most current conditions, warnings and advisories, go to the National Weather Service-Salt Lake City office website.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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