GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – A surge of tropical moisture tied to the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla is set to drench southwest Colorado and southeast Utah from late Thursday through Saturday evening, bringing a heightened risk of flash flooding. Forecasters warn that rainfall rates may exceed an inch per hour, pushing vulnerable slot canyons, dry washes, and urban areas toward dangerous runoff conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a Flood Watch is in effect for the Four Corners region, including Montezuma, La Plata, and San Juan counties in Colorado, and San Juan and Grand counties in Utah. The heaviest rainfall is expected Friday into early Saturday, when widespread totals could surpass two inches. The Weather Service noted that recent burn scars and slickrock terrain will be especially prone to flooding and debris flows.
Motorists are urged to avoid flooded roadways, particularly along U.S. 160, U.S. 191, and state routes near Durango, Moab, and Cortez. Residents should have an emergency plan and prepare to move to higher ground if warnings are issued. The NWS said confidence in the tropical plume’s track has increased, with a greater than 60 percent chance of widespread heavy rain across the region.
Communities from Montrose to Moab could also experience brief road closures and power disruptions if rainfall intensifies Friday night. Officials encourage travelers to monitor updates closely and keep mobile devices charged in case of flash flood alerts.
