CASTLE COUNTRY; SAN RAFAEL SWELL — * WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
* WHERE...A portion of Utah, including the following areas, Castle Country and San Rafael Swell.
* WHEN...From Wednesday afternoon through Thursday evening.
* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, dry washes, slot canyons, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations such as slickrock areas and recent burn scars.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A late season surge of tropical moisture will bring widespread moderate to at times heavy rainfall across much of eastern Utah beginning Wednesday afternoon, and continuing through Thursday. Local rainfall totals in excess of 2 inches are expected through Thursday evening. - All normally dry washes, small streams and mainstem rivers will see elevated flows from this excessive rainfall, with periods of heavier rainfall resulting in flash flooding. Backcountry roads may become impassable due to flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Flooding in Castle Country; San Rafael Swell can cut off roads with little warning, damage homes near low-lying areas, and disrupt power and water service. Even a few inches of moving water can carry away a vehicle.
This report is based on information from NWS, monitored by Alert USA's verified emergency feed.
Alert USA anticipates a high chance of travel disruptions, elevated property risk in low-lying areas, and possible power outages while the event is active.
Recommended steps: avoid flooded roads — turn around, don't drown; move to higher ground if you are in a low-lying area; charge phones and prepare for power loss; check on family and neighbors.
Alert USA is tracking this flood event and will update this report as verified information becomes available.
Verified by Alert USA • NWS