SOUTHERN UTAH – The National Weather Service has issued an “Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory” for southeastern Washington County, including St. George and Zion National Park, in effect until 6:30 a.m.
Conditions
The NWS Doppler radar indicated an area of heavy rain crossing into Washington County from Arizona. One-half to one inch of rain was forecast to fall by 6:30 a.m.
In addition to urban flood issues, waterways will see a spike in water volume early this morning.
Residents report in on STGnews Facebook
Over 75 comments came in on St. George News’ Facebook “Weather Roll Call” between 4 and 5 a.m., reflecting the extent of the storm over Southern Utah. Here are a few of them most particular to urban and some nonurban rain and flooding:
“Crazy winds and pouring rain flooding the street,” Brittany Smith said from Washington Fields suburb of Washington.
“15 minute downpour in Hurricane…flooded the streets,” Maggie Alder said.
“Over by Riverside Drive, crazy downpour. A little flooding outside,” Michelle Dawn said.
“Dixie downs a pool haha love the rain …,” Kat Collins said.
“Toquerville, beautiful lightning, roaring thunder, and so much rain my windows are leaking,” Andrea Kay Reber said.
“POUNDING sheets if rain, tons of lightning, and BOOMING thunder in Leeds!!” Deanna Cronk Ruff said.
“Drove from Cane Beds to Kanab. Lots of rain near Pipe Springs. Raining all the way,” LeAnn Brown Cluff said.
“Light sprinkles in Mesquite,” Brenda Malinski Howard said.
“New Harmony flooding, uggh,” Kimberly Surber-Reyes said.
“In Winchester Hills is a flash flood, With 12 inch of whaterss!!!!!!!!!!” Elpistol Carmona said.
“Okay heavy rain now in Enoch. It is heavy and wind picking up,” Maureen Arthur Olsen said.
“In Springdale and the river is back on the rise…up to 212cfs …,” Karen Mason said, and that it was 100 (cfs) when she went to bed, indicating the rise.
“Main St in STG is flowing pretty fast and puddling at 700 and Main,” Cynthia Hunter said.
“Apple Valley. Raining and quite a light show,” Susan Boyer James said.
“Raining like a cow pissing on a flat rock in La Verkin!” John Larsen said.
“…Lots of flooding over the back road into Hurricane,” Matt Gaus said.
And, “Get ready for round two! Radar shows more coming,” Gregory K. Brooks said. Or, maybe not; see 6:05 a.m. NWS Doppler Radar image inset.
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.
Turn around, don’t drown.
Related posts – Storm, flash flooding
- Flood victims blame city for neglect
- Charges filed in tour bus accident
- Tour bus gets swept down wash after heavy rains
- UPDATED: Summer storm floods Coral Canyon homes; STGnews Videocast
- Flash flooding meets River Road near Southern Parkway; Videocast, STGnews photo gallery
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