Southern Utah cleans up from heavy rain, flooding, more expected

SALT LAKE CITY— Southern Utah was pounded by monsoonal rain on Thursday leading to several homes flooding in a Cedar City neighborhood.

A spokesperson for Cedar City Police told KSL a drainage system got backed up, leaving the road and people’s yards underwater.

KSL Meteorologist Kevin Eubank said Cedar City doesn’t even average a full inch of rain in August, but they got almost triple that on Thursday alone.

Capitol Reef National Park also experienced flash flooding. A spokesperson for Zion National Park said water was also flowing through its narrow canyons. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

And as cleanup continues, forecasts show more rain on Friday.

“Really no location (Friday and Saturday) across southern Utah is out of the woods for heavy rainfall,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Alex DeSmet. “It really could happen anywhere.”

As for how much, where and when that rain will fall, DeSmet said it’s hard to tell ahead of time.

KSL Meteorologists forecast at least a 70% chance of rain or thunderstorms in St. George through Monday. The National Weather Service lists flash flood potential in all of Utah’s national parks as “probable” Friday and “expected” in Zion National Park.

There is an increased risk of flash flooding for southern Utah National Parks and recreation areas. Make sure to check in with local visitor centers or ranger stations before heading out and have a plan if threatening weather approaches. More at: https://t.co/7kgSJIR7mF #utwx pic.twitter.com/UNKxtdWv6n

— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) August 18, 2023

 

Officials urge caution after southern Utah flooding

Jonathan Shafer, Zion National Park public affairs specialist told KSL Newsradio it’s critical for people to check the forecast when heading out during monsoon season.

“Knowing the potential for flooding, and not entering narrow canyons if conditions aren’t right is the best thing that you can do,” Shafer said.

Shafer said this means if forecasts predict rain, people may have to miss out on popular areas like the Narrows for their own safety.

“If you find yourself in an area where flash flooding is happening, seek high ground,” Shafer said. “But the most important thing that you can do is avoid putting yourself in that situation at all … don’t put yourself or rescuers at risk.”

People heading to the park can get information at the visitor’s center. But, Shafer emphasized no matter where people are going, check the forecast first.

“Remember your safety is your responsibility,” Shafer said.

Related:

• Flood watch issued for central, southern Utah Friday
• Hot summer day turns into one full of severe weather around Utah