SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Tropical Storm Priscilla is pushing deep tropical moisture into Utah, setting up a widespread heavy rainfall event that could trigger dangerous flash flooding through Saturday night. The highest threat targets southern and eastern Utah, where slot canyons, slickrock terrain, and recent burn scars will be especially vulnerable.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, rainfall will intensify from Thursday afternoon into Friday morning, continuing in waves through late Saturday. Totals may exceed two inches in localized areas, especially near Zion National Park, Moab, and Grand Staircase–Escalante. The agency warns that backcountry roads will likely become impassable during and after heavy rain, and visibility may drop quickly overnight due to intense downpours.
Slot canyons and normally dry washes pose the greatest danger, forecasters said, with runoff capable of rising in minutes. Hikers, campers, and off-road travelers are urged to avoid these areas until the system moves out. The Utah Department of Transportation cautions that flash flooding could close portions of U.S. 89, I-15 near Cedar City, and other low-lying routes.
Officials recommend reconsidering any outdoor recreation plans across southern Utah through Saturday. Residents should keep phones charged, monitor NOAA Weather Radio or weather.gov/SLC for updates, and never attempt to drive through flooded roads. Even shallow water can hide washed-out pavement or strong currents.
