Deadly Texas flooding brings up memories of 2015 Hildale flash flood

SALT LAKE CITY — In the aftermath of the Kerr County, Texas flash floods, Utahns may be reminded of the Hildale flash flood, the deadliest flash flood in recent Utah history.

“In September 2015, a series of thunderstorms moved through southern Utah —the Hilldale area and into Zion National Park. And in the state of Utah, we had 20 fatalities in one day,” said Glen Merrill, a Salt Lake City National Weather Service hydrologist.

Utah prone to flash flooding

Utah is no stranger to flash floods. The landscape in southern Utah is especially prone to these natural disasters.

“In the transition zones from those red rock areas, that many of our national parks have, and into the bordering mountain areas where you can get large watersheds funneling down into dry washes or slot canyons,” Merrill said.

What’s concerning is that this area is a tourist hotspot.

International travelers who are unfamiliar with the terrain come to see the amazing red rocks. Youth groups hike and camp in southern Utah all summer long, often with volunteers as their leaders.

This can be the perfect storm for flash flooding tragedies if people are unprepared.

Awareness and warnings

The National Weather Service has been working closely with national and state parks on education and awareness. They also have an early warning system to let people know if there is flash flood potential. And flash flood warnings are sent out to cell phones in that area if there’s a high risk.

“So anyone with their phone within that area will get it if they have coverage,” Merrill said.

The tricky part is if people go to areas without cell service. That’s why Merrill recommends that people be “weather aware.” Always check the forecast before leaving to recreate.