Severe weather strikes southern Utah

KANAB — Heavy rains on Saturday caused flooding across parts of southern Utah and prompted warnings from the National Weather Service covering sections of Washington, Kane and Garfield Counties.

The National Weather Service reported that roughly two inches of rain fell around Kanab, causing upwards of two feet of water to pool on roads in the city.

A spotter in Kanab reports 1.97″ of rain in the past 45 minutes! #utwx

— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) July 14, 2018

Photos and videos provided to KSL showed muddy, red-colored water pooled on Kanab’s streets.

Flash flood warnings were also in effect during parts of the day for the Wire Pass and Buckskin Gulch canyons, as well as much of the Escalante River drainage. That included popular hiking destinations like Coyote Gulch and 20 Mile Wash.

To the west, strong storm cells produced rain and hail over St. George and Snow Canyon State Park.

We have issued an urban and small stream advisory until 545 PM, for parts of southern Washington County including Snow Canyon State Park, Santa Clara, and https://t.co/e6GFFTzTC4! #utwx pic.twitter.com/i2tiusvHCx

— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) July 14, 2018

A flash flood warning also affected Zion National Park.

Flash Flood Warning issued for Zion National Park. Warning in effect until 7:30 PM. The Narrows and all slot canyons are closed until 2 hours after the warning is over.

— Zion National Park (@ZionNPS) July 14, 2018

Saturday’s storms came at the end of a very active weather week for southern Utah. Flooding earlier in the week shut down SR 9 through Zion National Park and left several trails in the park closed because of damage. The highway reopened late Friday.

Several homes were flooded in the Dammeron Valley of Washington County by storms earlier in the week. Flash flooding also caused contamination in the drinking water supply for the city of Panguitch.

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