‘Life-threatening’ flash floods possible across Utah, NWS warns
Aug 26, 2025, 11:35 AM | Updated: 1:09 pm
White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park. (Courtesy, Ravell Call)
(Courtesy, Ravell Call)
SALT LAKE CITY – Officials warned Utah residents Tuesday that “life-threatening” flash flooding may be possible and urged caution when recreating outdoors.
At 11:13 a.m., the National Weather Service said that rangers with the National Park Service reported thunderstorms “producing heavy rain in Zion National Park. Flash flooding is already occurring.”
The NWS called the surge of water “life threatening,” and listed Zion National Park, Springdale and Rockville as being heavily affected.
Flash flood warnings across the state
In a post on Facebook, San Juan County officials said a flash flood warning was in effect throughout Tuesday night due to an “ongoing monsoon surge.” The county listed specific areas that may be impacted.
County officials said that recent burn scars, slot canyons, and urban areas with poor drainage may be impacted by excessive runoff.
The National Weather Service Salt Lake City office said Tuesday’s increased risk of flash flooding was due to “deep monsoonal moisture,” and urged people to “strongly consider adjusting outdoor plans today, expecially in slot canyons, normally dry washes, or areas near recent burn scars.
An increased risk of flash flooding exists again today across much of Utah and southwest Wyoming as deep monsoonal moisture remains in place. Strongly consider adjusting outdoor plans today, especially in slot canyons, normally dry washes, or areas near recent burn scars. #utwx pic.twitter.com/RqP92un0xE
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) August 26, 2025
A flash flood warning was also issued in Springdale until approximately 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, the National Weather Service Salt Lake City said in a post on X.
Flash flood safety
The NWS said if you are caught in a flash flood, “turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads.” It also noted that most flood deaths happen in vehicles.
The NWS also warned residents to remain alert for flood waters “even in locations not receiving rain.”
“Dry washes, streams, and rivers can become raging killer currents in a matter of minutes, even from distant rainfall,” the NWS said.
For more information on flash flood safety, click here.
Related: National Weather Service warns risk of flash flooding in southern Utah
