Grand Junction, Colorado – Residents across western Colorado and eastern Utah should be prepared to act quickly today as slow-moving thunderstorms could trigger flash flooding within minutes, especially near recent wildfire burn scars and low-lying areas.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, Flood Watches remain in effect through 3 a.m. Wednesday for portions of eastern Utah and western Colorado. Another round of showers and thunderstorms is expected this afternoon through tonight, with heavy rainfall capable of producing rapid flooding of creeks, streams, slot canyons and normally dry washes.
The greatest concern is near recent burn scars, including Babylon, Deer Creek, Turner Gulch, Lee, PL Gulch, Ferris and Snyder, where heavy rain could quickly generate dangerous debris flows. These fast-moving mixtures of mud, rocks and burned vegetation can develop with little warning, threatening roads, homes and recreation areas downstream.
Travelers along mountain highways and those camping, hiking or recreating near canyons and waterways should closely monitor weather conditions and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. If a Flash Flood Warning is issued or heavy rain begins upstream, move immediately to higher ground and avoid driving across flooded roadways. Debris flows can occur before water levels appear dangerous.
The unsettled weather pattern is expected to continue for at least the next several days, keeping the risk of locally heavy rainfall and flash flooding in place. Additional Flood Watches, Flash Flood Warnings or other advisories may be issued as storms develop.
