UPDATED: Severe thunderstorm warnings, flood watch canceled for St. George, flash flood warnings remain for Zion and eastern counties

In this file photo, residents stand in floodwaters near Washington Fields and Long Ridge Drive on Monday evening after a storm dumped rain and hail in the area, Aug. 22, 2022 | Photo by Eric Goold, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Southern Utah could be in for another round of monsoonal storms, according to a flood watch issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday morning to be in effect beginning Wednesday morning.

Area in green indicates where the flood watch is in effect as of 6:30 p.m., on Sept. 21, 2022 through late Wednesday. Areas in red are under warnings, meaning flooding is happening or about to take place | Map courtesy of National Weather Service, St. George News | Click to enlarge

Following the flood watch, the weather service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Utah, including Washington, Iron and Beaver counties in effect through Wednesday until 8 p.m. However, that warning was cancelled at 6 p.m.  The weather service also issued a flash flood warning for Kane and Garfield counties.

The flood watch, issued earlier Tuesday and extended in scope by the afternoon, is in effect Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening in all five Southern Utah counties, including the cities of St. George, Cedar City, Kanab, Moab, Hurricane and Springdale, as well as Zion National Park.

The weather service forecasts the possibility of excessive rainfall throughout a portion of Utah. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations including slot canyons, normally dry washes and slick rock areas. Travelers to the national parks, including Zion, Bryce and Capitol Reef, are advised to be cognizant that flash flooding in slot canyons is expected.

In addition, the weather service issued another flash flood alert Tuesday afternoon for Mojave County in Arizona that will last into Wednesday evening. Cities affected include Littlefield and Colorado City.

The weather service also issued flood watch alerts for other portions of Southern Utah and Utah in general.

Updated Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m. Watches canceled for St. George area but remain to east.

Updated Sept. 21, 12:40 p.m. Updated to include information about the severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings.

Updated Sept. 20, 3:30 p.m. Watch extended for all Southern Utah counties.

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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