ST. GEORGE — An urban and small stream flood advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for Washington County, southern Iron County and western Kane County for Monday evening. The advisory is in effect until 8 p.m.
Update 7:47 p.m. A flash flood warning is in effect for east central Washington County until 10:30 p.m. MDT.
At 7:30 p.m. MDT, Doppler radar indicated a thunderstorm producing heavy rain over Zion National Park. Radar estimated 0.25 to 0.40 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is expected to begin shortly.
Some locations that will experience flooding include La Verkin, Zion National Park, Toquerville and Springdale.
Areas in Zion that will experience flooding include North Creek, La Verkin Creek, Right Fork of North Creek, North Fork of the Virgin.
Update 7:24 p.m. The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for northeastern Washington County and south-central Iron County in effect until 8 p.m. MDT.
At 7:11 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Pintura, 23 miles southwest of Cedar City, moving northeast at 30 mph.
Affected cities include Cedar City, Enoch, La Verkin, New Harmony, Toquerville, Kanarraville, Brian Head, Hamilton Fort, Pintura and Kolob Canyon.
At around 6 p.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms, according to the weather service. That will cause urban and small stream flooding. The event may overwhelm poor drainage areas and result in minor flooding in Washington County.
Impacting locations that may experience flooding include St George, Washington, Hurricane, Santa Clara, LaVerkin, New Harmony, Zion National Park, Ivins, Hildale, Enterprise, Toquerville, Leeds, Virgin, Springdale, Rockville, Pintura, Gunlock, Veyo, Kolob Canyon and Motoqua.
Wind gust of up to 40 mph are also to be expected.
A flood flashing watch for southwest Utah was issued earlier in the day by the National Weather Service and remains in effect until midnight.
Read more: Flash flood watch issued for Southern Utah
Precautionary and preparedness actions
Large hail and damaging winds and continuous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. According to the NWS, lightning is one of nature’s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other drainage areas and low lying spots.
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