Flash flood warnings, road closures issued as storms roll over Utah

UDPATE (4:30 p.m.): Powerful thunderstorms drenched central and eastern Utah on Thursday afternoon, prompting the latest wave of flash flood warnings this summer along the Colorado Plateau.

The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for Moab, Eagle Canyon over I-70, Capitol Reef National Park, the San Rafael Swell, and Glenn Canyon National Recreation Area near Big Water. The warnings are set to last through Thursday evening.

Traffic cameras in Moab showed torrential rain falling on the eastern Utah tourist town, leaving mud and standing water on the city’s main streets. Debris on US 191 led to both lanes of the highway being closed near Arches National Park.

Flooding also prompted closures on I-70 near Whipup and along Highway 24 in Capitol Reef National Park, UDOT’s traffic map showed. Forecasts said that dangerous flooding could occur in slot canyons and in normally dry washes across the warning areas.

To the north, the storms also triggered a severe thunderstorm warning near Roosevelt in Duchesne County, where quarter-sized hail was reported along with wind gusts up to 60 mph.

A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for much of eastern and south-central Utah until 9 p.m. Thursday.

ORIGINAL STORY: SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) – An active weather day continues to evolve throughout Utah today, with several weather watches and warnings issued this afternoon and holding through Thursday evening.

The atmospheric setup includes an abundance of moisture potential, thanks to our latest monsoon surge, paired with a passing low-pressure trough to the north. The low is sending a solid cold front into Utah and that will continue to generate the possibility of strong thunderstorms.

These storms, currently widespread in central and eastern Utah, are ushering in heavy rain, small hail, and gusty winds. Large hail has been reported in Green River, and an abundance of lightning has been reported in several parts of the state.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for a large section of Utah. Counties included in this watch are Carbon, Daggett, Duchesne, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Kane, Piute, San Juan, Sevier, Uintah and Wayne. This watch remains in effect in Utah until 9 p.m. Thursday.

A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms. A severe thunderstorm is classified by one inch hail or larger in diameter and/or winds equal or exceed 58 mph.

Watches like this are usually issued for a duration of 4 to 8 hours. During the watch, people should review severe thunderstorm safety rules and be prepared to move to a place of safety if threatening weather approaches. Please remember, lightning is Utah’s top weather-related killer. You must seek shelter with strong storms in your area.

With the potential of strong storms in the southeastern part of Utah, a flood watch has been issued for Grand County south to the Four Corners. This will be in effect through the afternoon and into the evening.

Rainfall rates in excess of 2 inches/hour will quickly produce flash floods, and as a result, we have seen an elevated risk in popular spots in southern Utah. Flash floods are in the “probable” category for Capitol Reef, the San Rafael Swell, Natural Bridges, Glen Canyon/Lake Powell, Grand Staircase, and Grand Gulch.

Flash floods are “possible” for Arches and Bryce Canyon. Zion is the only national park where flash flooding is not expected.

Heavy rains will likely lead to flash flooding in slot canyons, normally dry washes, and near recent burn scars. Keep in mind that flash floods can occur quickly with little to no warning, even if it’s not raining in your location.

These conditions are life-threatening, so be weather aware before putting yourself in dangerous situations, and stay away from low-lying areas. Stay with the 4Warn Weather Team as these storms develop and dissipate on air and online.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.