Scattered thunderstorms with heavy rain and flash flooding Friday into the weekend

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Happy Friday, Utah! Strong scattered storms and periods of heavy rain ahead with deep moisture in place SW flow has also dragged some deep, tropical moisture from what was Hurricane Priscilla into Utah.

Deep moisture in place means scattered thunderstorms and showers are ahead with a high flash flood threat today for Zion, Red Cliffs, Grand Staircase and Lake Powell. The flash flood threat for other popular recreation areas in Southern Utah has gone up with a probable risk for places like Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands. Since excessive rainfall is expected again and the flood threat has increased, a “Flood Watch” remains in effect for Central, Eastern and Southern Utah through Saturday evening. Heavy rain will once again lead to flooding to low lying areas, normally dry washes, slot canyons and burn scars. 

By the weekend, with above average moisture in place, we will see scattered storms and periods of precipitation. There’s an upper-level low from the Pacific Northwest that’s deepening and will move inland. As the low moves towards the state, it will send a cold front through Utah late Saturday into Sunday. Right now, the front looks to pass between 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. There will be thunderstorms and rain along the frontal boundary, and temperatures will dip quickly. 

Daytime highs will warm above average briefly today with upper 70s along the Wasatch Front Friday and Saturday, but cooler air by Sunday. This storm system could bring potential to bring solid rain totals for the valleys and healthy snow totals for the mountains again. At last check, the snow level will drop down to 6800 feet Sunday morning. We could see the first snow flurries fly in places like the Wasatch Back, with highest elevations in the Wasatch and Uintas picking up anywhere from three to six inches. Stay tuned!

We’ll keep you posted on the latest developments in our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah!