Updated at 3:48 p.m. to reflect time changes, further details from NWS.
ST. GEORGE — The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for south-central Garfield County until 4:45 p.m., as well as a flash flood warning for south-central Garfield and northeastern Kane counties until 7:15 p.m. At 4:50 p.m., an additional thunderstorm warning had been issued for north-central Millard County.
Thunderstorm warning
At 3:43 p.m., Doppler Radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing half-dollar size hail and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. This storm was located 20 miles west of Ticaboo or 31 miles east of Escalante and moving east at 20 mph.
This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of south-central Garfield County but will cross the far southern portions of Capitol Reef National Park.
Flash flood warning
At 3:37 p.m., Doppler Radar indicated a thunderstorm producing heavy rain in and around the Muley Twist area of Capitol Reef National Park. Radar estimates indicated that up to one inch of rain has already fallen.
Flash flooding will remain over mainly rural areas of south-central Garfield and northeastern Kane counties, including the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, with runoff continuing down Halls Creek into Lake Powell.
Precautionary/preparedness actions
Severe thunderstorm produce damaging winds, destructive hail, deadly lightning and very heavy rain. For your protection, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home or business. Heavy rains flood roads quickly, so do nor drive into areas where water covers the road.
Remain alert for flooding 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.
READ MORE: I can’t believe I survived; video of flash flood crashing down on canyoneers
Turn around. Don’t drown.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and the National Weather Service offer safety rules for flash flooding:
- Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation
- Flash flood waves, moving at incredible speeds, can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges and scour out new channels. Killing walls of water can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet. You will not always have warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming. When a flash flood warning is issued for your area or the moment you first realize that a flash flood is imminent, act quickly to save yourself. You may have only seconds.
- Most flood deaths occur in automobiles. Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. The road bed may not be intact under the water. Just one foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road. If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away
- Do not hike rivers and especially slot canyons while flash flood warnings are in place
- Do not hike alone and always tell someone where you and your buddy and others are going
- Get out of areas subject to flooding, including dips, low spots, canyons and washes
- Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not try to cross a flowing stream on foot where water is above your knees
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions
During any flood emergency, stay tuned to your NOAA weather radio, commercial radio or television, follow St. George News at STGnews.com and St. George News Facebook for weather alerts and updates relevant to Southern Utah. Information from the National Weather Service and disaster and emergency services may save your life.
Read more: Rescue commander tells how to survive a flash flood
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