Multiple warnings issued as severe weather hits Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple warnings as severe weather hits the state.

Cold temperatures are already coming through the state, with northern Utah seeing 10-20 degree drops. Wendover saw a temperature drop of 13 degrees within 20 minutes, officials said.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning is in effect for southeastern Garfield, central Juan, and northeastern Kane counties.

At 5:51 p.m. a severe thunderstorm was located 14 miles west of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, or 38 miles southeast of Escalante. This storm is moving east at 30 mph.

Two-inch hail and 60 mph wind gusts are expected, according to the NWS.

“People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles,” officials said. “Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.”

Locations impacted include Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell.

“Continuous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Move indoors immediately. Lightning is one of nature’s leading killers. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning,” the warning states. “Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

Flash Flood Warning

A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for Garfield County and northeastern Kane County in southern Utah.

At 5:31 p.m., radar showed thunderstorms producing heavy rain across slot canyons and washes adjacent to southern portions of the Hole in the Rock road, including Hurricane Wash, Coyote Gulch, Peekaboo, Spooky, Brimstone, Scorpion East, and other slot canyons in this vicinity,” officials said. “Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.”

Flash flooding of this capacity is life threatening, according to the NWS.

“Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads,” officials said. “Remain alert for flooding even in locations not receiving rain. Dry washes, streams, and rivers can become raging killer currents in a matter of minutes, even from distant rainfall.”

The public should be aware of nearby streams, rivers, or creeks which can become killers in heavy rains. Campers and hikers should avoid streams or creeks.

High Wind Warning

A High Wind Warning is in effect for Utah Valley, including Payson, Provo, and Lehi. Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts in excess of 60 mph are expected. The warning is also in effect for Salt Lake Valley, including Salt Lake City, Sandy, and West Jordan.

“High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles and vehicles with trailers,” officials said. “A cold front will shift winds to the northwest between 6-7 PM. Winds will continue to gust near 60 mph across northern Utah County through 9-10 PM behind the cold front.”

Use extra caution. People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind.

The warning also remains in effect for the Great Salt Lake Desert and Mountains, including Park Valley, Wendover, and Dugway.

Special Weather Statement

Strong thunderstorms will impact portions of east central Weber, Salt Lake, central Davis, southwestern Morgan, northwestern Utah, and southeastern Tooele counties.

Locations impacted include Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Sandy, Layton, Murray, Bountiful, Tooele, Farmington, Grantsville, Morgan, West Jordan, Taylorsville, South Jordan, Lehi, Draper, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights, Midvale, Kaysville, and Holladay.

“This storm will be capable of producing strong gusty winds on the Great Salt Lake. This will lead to a sudden increase in waves and very choppy waters which will result in hazardous boating conditions,” officials said. “Boaters are urged to seek safe harbor if possible.”

This includes the following highways: Interstate 15 between mile markers 281 and 331, Interstate 84 between mile markers 93 and 103, Interstate 80 in Utah between mile markers 90 and 130.

“Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead to localized flooding,” officials said.