Officials warn of severe weather in southwest Utah
Aug 18, 2023, 4:47 PM | Updated: 9:18 pm
The National Weather Service warned residents in at least three towns in southern Utah they could experience severe weather on Friday afternoon. (National Weather Service)
(National Weather Service)
SALT LAKE CITY — On Friday afternoon the National Weather Service advised southern Utah residents that severe weather was moving through the area.
In a special weather statement posted on X, the National Weather Service of Salt Lake City said that strong winds of up to 55 mph may be present in St. George, Washington, and Hurricane, Utah.
A special weather statement has been issued for Saint George UT, Washington UT and Hurricane UT until 5:00 PM MDT pic.twitter.com/0wiyFx3PSE
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) August 18, 2023
Minutes later, the NWS reported a wind gust of 46 mph at the St. George airport.
A gust to 46 mph was reported at St. George airport with this broad area of showers and storms moving into southwest Utah. #utwx https://t.co/YPG1Qnh5tQ
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) August 18, 2023
The severe weather statement expired at 5 p.m. on Friday. Later, officials issued a flash flood warning for Cedar Canyon.
This warning is for Cedar Canyon and SR-14 southeast of Cedar City. Between 1 and 2 inches are estimated to have fallen already. This does not include Cedar City itself. #utwx https://t.co/Cc8OR0IZdR
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) August 18, 2023
Severe weather warnings followed Thursday’s monsoonal rain
Monsoonal rain slammed areas of southern Utah on Thursday which led to flooded homes and businesses.
Earlier on Friday, the NWS told KSL that most areas of southern Utah could expect continuing heavy rainfall through Saturday.
This weekend, Zion National Park is of particular concern. The NWS said that if rain is expected, visitors should avoid areas like the Narrows.
This is a developing story.
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