Flash flood, severe thunderstorm warnings for Zion Park, Washington, Kane counties

Stock image, St. George News

ST. GEORGE – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for eastern Washington County and western Kane County until 7:30 p.m. Sunday. In addition, a severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Washington and Kane counties until 4:30 p.m.

Dots indicate area affected by thunderstorm warning, Washington County, Utah, Oct. 18, 2015, 3:35 p.m. | Photo courtesy of the National Weather Service, St. George News | Click map to enlarge
Dots indicate area affected by thunderstorm warning, Washington County, Utah, Oct. 18, 2015, 3:35 p.m. | Photo courtesy of the National Weather Service, St. George News | Click map to enlarge

Flash flooding expected in Zion National Park

At 3:35 p.m. Doppler radar indicated a thunderstorm producing heavy rain entering the southwest section of Zion National Park. This storm is expected to produce flash flooding across a large extent of the park.

Additional storms are tracking into the park from the Utah-Arizona border. These storms are expected to move into Zion National Park by 4:30 p.m., and additional flash flooding is expected.

Areas affected

Zion National Park, Virgin, Springdale and Rockville.

Dots indicate area affected by severe thunderstorm warning, Washington County, Utah, Oct. 18, 2015, 4:03 p.m. | Photo courtesy of the National Weather Service, St. George News | Click map to enlarge
Dots indicate area affected by severe thunderstorm warning, Washington County, Utah, Oct. 18, 2015, 4:03 p.m. | Photo courtesy of the National Weather Service, St. George News | Click map to enlarge

Severe thunderstorm warning

At 4:02 p.m. radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing quarter-sized hail and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. This storm was located over Zion National Park, or 18 miles north of Colorado City and moving Northeast at 25 mph.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm.

Areas affected

Zion National Park.

Precautionary/ preparedness actions

Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. The water depth may be too great to allow your car to cross safely. Move to higher ground.

Severe thunderstorms 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 not drive into areas where water covers the road.

 

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