Southern Utah under flash flood watch
Jul 13, 2021, 7:18 AM | Updated: Jul 16, 2021, 7:15 am
FILE: Rocks and mud left along 3600 West after Midas Creek overflowed on June 24, 2021. Forecasters say heavy storms mean the potential for more flash flooding, especially around the national parks. Photo: Paul Nelson, KSL NewsRadio
ST. GEORGE, Utah — Parts of southern Utah are under a flash flood watch Tuesday after a nearly statewide excessive heat warning expired Monday night. Meanwhile, 98% of the state is in “exceptional” or “excessive” drought.
*NEW* A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for portions of southern Utah beginning at noon tomorrow until midnight. Here is a brief overview of what to expect #utwx pic.twitter.com/PqMeVAFIUh
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) July 12, 2021
The National Weather Service says widespread thunderstorms could bring heavy rain across southern Utah. This could lead to flash flooding in slot canyons, dry washes, and recent burn scars. The service says the watch applies to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and St. George.
However, a watch is different from a flash flood warning. The National Weather Service says a watch means flash flooding is possible, whereas a warning means it’s imminent.
Just so that everyone is aware, this is a flash flood WATCH, not a flash flood WARNING. A “watch” means that conditions are forecast to be favorable for flash flooding, whereas a “warning” means that a flash flood is imminent or ongoing. A small, but important, difference! #utwx https://t.co/QLh0LIEMLU
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) July 12, 2021
The watch is in effect from noon to midnight.
