Grand Junction, Colorado – Heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms could trigger flash flooding across much of western Colorado Thursday, with the greatest risk in areas south of US-40, including Grand Junction, Montrose, and Durango.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a marginal risk for excessive rainfall will persist through Thursday evening, especially in mountainous and canyon-prone zones. Small hail, erratic wind gusts, and lightning are possible near stronger storms.
Localized flooding may impact portions of US-550 near Ouray, CO-145 near Telluride, and low-lying roads in the San Juan Mountains. Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roadways and check for closures. Cooler-than-normal temperatures will dominate the region, offering relief from early June heat but increasing the risk of hypothermia for hikers caught in storms.
Communities like Glenwood Springs, Pagosa Springs, and Cortez should prepare for rapidly changing weather. Residents should secure outdoor items and charge mobile devices in case of outages. Lightning and runoff hazards also threaten burn scar areas near the 416 and Pine Gulch fire zones.
Storms will taper late Thursday, but additional rainfall and localized flooding are possible Friday.
