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SALT LAKE CITY — A flood watch remains in effect throughout most of southern and central Utah Friday, a day after major rain storms caused flash flooding in several spots across the region, affecting residents, campers and visitors to the area's national parks.
The National Weather Service advisory expires late Friday, though most of the risks are expected Friday afternoon and evening.
"Heavy rainfall causing flash flooding of slot canyons, normally dry washes, recent burn scars, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," the flood watch states. "Flash flooding in urban areas is also possible."
While the alert only covers the bottom half of the state, KSL meteorologist Matt Johnson adds that the potential for flash floods will be "elevated" statewide. He said the series of scattered thunderstorms and showers are expected to continue late Friday.
Another wave of monsoonal moisture is expected to impact the state Saturday, especially in the afternoon and evening. Storms are forecast throughout the weekend and into next week.
They follow heavy storms that hit Utah on Thursday.
Johnson said some parts of Cedar City received more than 2 inches of rain that fell in a span of less than two hours, causing serious flooding in homes, on city streets, as well as the city's hospital and jail.
Iron County Sheriff Ken Carpenter said water began pouring into the jail and flooded the courtyard. A ceiling collapsed in a medical area, and water seeped into the jail cells. Jail officials almost had to move inmates, he said.
Carpenter said the crime lab, the IT area, a weight room and part of the long-term evidence area all flooded as well. An evidence technician was able to move everything out of the water's way so no evidence was destroyed.
Cedar City firefighters helped pump water out of the jail and hospital. Water got into the operating room at the hospital, causing surgeries for Friday to be rescheduled while crews clean up the flooded areas.
Meanwhile, at Capitol Reef National Park, rangers reported flash flooding along Sulphur Creek and Fremont River. A portion of Fruita Campground was also flooded, causing the campground to be evacuated, visitor services program manager Shauna Cotrell said.
Cotrell said Sulphur Creek has flooded several times this year already, but the Fremont River flooding into the campground is a more rare occurrence.
State Route 24 was closed for a while in the park because of water running across the road near mile marker 88, but it has since reopened. The Hickman Bridge Trail was also closed for a time due to flooding.
Cotrell said no injuries or structural damage have been reported and park staff will assess damage to trails once the waters recede. Cotrell reminds everyone that flash floods are powerful and it's important to keep safety as a priority while visiting the park.
Rangers at In Zion National Park reported flash floods at Refrigerator and Echo canyons. Park spokesman Jonathan Shafer said the park experienced a rainstorm in the afternoon that caused water to flow through the two canyons.
Shafer said this happens often during storms, especially during monsoon season. No injuries were reported.
"It is essential to check the forecast before starting hikes anywhere in the park. Know the potential for flooding and do not enter narrow canyons if conditions are not right. Your safety is your responsibility," Shafer said.
Just a few miles south of Arches National Park, Moab is also expecting flooding along the Mill Creek Parkway trail system. City officials urge the public to stay away from creek banks.
Monsoonal rains result in street flooding in Cedar City. Some residential and commercial business flooding as well. pic.twitter.com/NgIp4R3wYV
— Southern Utah Radio (@soutahradio) August 17, 2023
Hurricane police, in Washington County, warned residents Thursday about the potential for "a lot" of rain over the next five days. Residents can pick up sandbags at the police department, near the animal shelter and more locations listed on their social media post.
Full seven-day forecasts for areas across Utah can be found online, via the KSL Weather Center.
