Band of heavy rain, thunderstorms to hit Utah amid sweeping cold front

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting a multi-impact weather day across Utah for Oct. 11 as a cold front sweeps through the state.

The cold front is expected to come through the region late Saturday afternoon and evening, bringing a heavy band of precipitation. The front will bring heavy rain, strong winds, strong to severe thunderstorms, high elevation snow, and cooling temperatures, according to the NWS.

A Marginal Risk for isolated severe thunderstorms is in place across most of Utah. These storms are capable of producing winds over 58 mph and hail over 1 inch in diameter. As heavy rain is also a threat, portions of southern Utah are under a Slight Risk for scattered flash floods.

Main areas of concern for flash flooding are slot canyons, normally dry washes, slickrock areas, and recent burn scars. The public is asked to avoid these areas.

For the possibility of severe storms, please make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, stay updated, and move inside when there’s a threat of lightning.

Areas of Pine Valley and Dammeron Valley began seeing the effects of heavy rainfall Friday night, with flash flooding closing roads and causing debris flows. One debris flow was reported at 150 feet wide and 6 to 8 inches deep, as measured from peak flows on the Santa Clara River gauge in Pine Valley.

“Those with outdoor plans in flood prone areas should consider alternate plans,” the NWS posted on X. “Do NOT drive across flooded roads. Turn around, don’t drown!”

See video of flooding in Veyo, Utah, below: