‘Stay vigilant and help keep an eye out’: Southern Utah prepares for flood threat

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Southern Utah is currently preparing for flood threats due to heavy precipitation.

According to ABC4’s 4Warn Weather team, the greatest risk on Thursday is in southwest Utah. However, the threats will continue for all of south, central, and eastern Utah through Saturday.

Emery County residents on alert

The Emery County Sheriff’s Office alerted residents to stay away from slot canyon areas in the San Rafael Swell, San Rafael Desert and surrounding areas due to the heavy rain. A flood watch is in effect.

“With heavy rain, desert roads become impassable and washed out, making it a challenge and sometimes even impossible to get equipment and manpower to affected areas for response and rescue. Although Buckhorn Draw is not considered a slot canyon area, the road has been completely washed out in two recent storms. With these areas already vulnerable to flooding, we urge you to avoid the areas,” shared the sheriff’s office.

Law enforcement also asked residents to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for clogged drains.

Flood watch in effect in Kane County

Kane County shared that the area is expecting one to three inches of rain. A flood watch is in effect Thursday afternoon through Saturday evening.

The county shared that Cottonwood Road, Skutumpah Road, Hole-in-the-Rock Road, Notom-Bullfrog Road, Burr Trail, House Rock Valley Road, Hells Backbone, and Smokey Mountain may become impassable.

Residents are asked to check forecasts and alerts regularly, avoid slot canyons and flood-prone areas, and delay backcountry travel until conditions improve.

Sandbags will be available at the following locations:

• 300 N 100 E (by the old city buildings)
• 727 W Swapp Dr (intersection of Swapp and Vermillion)
• Terrel Dr (south of the dog park)
• 10 W Kanab Creek Dr (intersection of 10 W and Kanab Creek Dr)
• Kanab Municipal Airport

Iron County

The Iron County Sheriff’s office is advising everyone in low-lying areas should take appropriate precautions. Sand bags will be available to fill at the Iron County Road department located at 1302 Kittyhawk Dr, Cedar City.

San Juan County

San Juan County officials are also warning residents of the surge of moisture that is expected to come in on Thursday. “Rainfall rates in excess of in inch per hour and widespread amounts over 2 inches for this event could lead to excess runoff in many vulnerable areas,” the Sheriff’s office posted on social media.

Probable flash floods in recreation areas

The National Weather Service is predicting probable flash floods in some slot canyons and dry washes at all Southern Utah parks and recreation areas on Friday and Saturday.

“Travel into slot canyons, normally dry washes, and slick rock areas is not advised. Backcountry roads are also expected to become impassable during and after heavy rain. Consider alternate plans if traveling to these areas during this period,” National Weather Service noted.

The Utah Division of State Parks said that parks remain open, but visitors are asked to check conditions before heading to a state park.

“Your safety is your responsibility, and we strongly urge visitors not to hike in slot canyons anytime there are potential flash flood dangers. Flash flooding happens fast; it’s a wave of water and debris that can take you out quickly. Get to higher ground, do not drive into water, and stay informed,” said Ally O’Rullian with the Utah Division of State Parks. “Your safety is more important than your plans. Parks remain open, and again we encourage visitors to continually check conditions, and talk with park rangers if they’d like assistance making plans before heading out.”