Flash flood warning issued for Zion NP, Bryce Canyon, Washington and Iron Counties in effect Sunday until 9 p.m.

Vehicles splash through rainwater on 1400 West during Thursday afternoon's storm, Aug. 11, 2022 | Photo by Chris Reed, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for cities and recreation areas throughout Southern Utah, including Springdale and Zion National Park

A flash flood warning is in effect until 9 p.m. in the following areas. Aug. 14, 2022 | Image courtesy of National Weather Service, St. George News

A flash flood warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.

The flash flood warning is expected to expire Sunday evening. The warning includes  the cities of St George, Mt Pleasant, Hurricane, Evanston, Panguitch, Scofield, Ivins, Ephraim, Mirror Lake Highway, Richfield, Milford, Scipio, Alton, Price, Cedar City, Brighton, Koosharem, Fish Lake, Emery, Alta, Bryce Canyon City, Nephi, Circleville, Beaver, Cove Fort, Fillmore, Indian Canyon, Castle Dale, Brian Head, and Joes Valley.

Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms with heavy rain will be possible. Thunderstorms with heavy rain may result in rapid onset of flooding of slot canyons, normally dry washes, slickrock areas and recent burn scars.

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.

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.

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!