Flood watch active in southwestern Utah throughout Saturday
Sep 2, 2023, 11:30 AM | Updated: 11:43 am
A line of storms rolls through Salt Lake Valley on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (Spencer Heaps)
(Spencer Heaps)
SALT LAKE CITY — This Labor Day holiday weekend is proving to be a wet one, with storms dumping inches of rainfall in southern Utah state.
The storms are expected to stick around for the next several days. KSL Meteorologist Kristen Van Dyke said southern Utah will be hit the hardest.
Check out this weekend’s forecast explained. 👇
Related: Officials urge caution to travelers with heavy rain expected for the holiday weekend
Flood watch warnings
The National Weather Service forecasted dangerous flooding conditions throughout Saturday with southwestern Utah under flood watch. The area is expected to see scattered showers and thunderstorms, increasing the risk of heavy rains that could generate flash floods.
Areas like slot canyons, normally dry washes and areas near burn scars are most likely to see this flooding.
The weather service also issued a flood watch warning for northern Utah and southwestern Wyoming beginning Sunday through Monday. Areas near burn scars and with poor drainage are the most at risk.
NWS warned hikers to watch the weather and consider making other plans if threats arise. The warning also stated that drivers should turn around and not drive over flooded backcountry roads.
Additionally, all southern Utah National Parks and recreation areas are seeing higher risks of flooding. The NWS said flooding is probable in all areas on Saturday, but possible or not expected by Sunday.
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/rxwnDboaf1
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) September 2, 2023
Rain totals
Utah saw the start of a stormy weekend on Friday, with three cities in southern Utah getting more than three inches of rain in 48 hours.
The National Weather Service listed a few notable mentions on their X page.
- Ivins – 3.59″
- Saint George – 3.47″
- 2 S Pine Valley – 3.09″
- Virgin – 1.62″
- Cedar City – 1.41″
