St. George, Utah – Travelers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts across southern Utah should avoid slot canyons and low-lying washes through Sunday evening as slow-moving thunderstorms threaten to unleash heavy rainfall capable of triggering dangerous flash flooding with little warning.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, a Flood Watch remains in effect through Sunday evening for southwest and south-central Utah. Storms will be capable of producing intense downpours that could rapidly flood normally dry washes, slot canyons, recent burn scars and areas with poor drainage.
The greatest concern includes recreation areas and burn scar locations such as Cottonwood, Forsyth, Monroe Canyon and Silver King, where debris flows and rapidly rising water are possible even if rain falls miles upstream. Communities near St. George, Cedar City, Beaver, Panguitch, Kanab and surrounding areas should remain alert for changing conditions throughout the afternoon and evening.
Motorists should never attempt to drive across flooded roadways, as water depth and road damage can be impossible to judge. Hikers and campers should postpone trips into narrow canyons, move to higher ground if storms develop nearby and have multiple ways to receive weather warnings while away from cell service.
Thunderstorm coverage may continue into the evening before gradually diminishing, but any heavier rainfall could quickly create life-threatening flooding. Forecasters urge residents and visitors to monitor the latest watches and warnings, as additional flood alerts may be issued if storms become more widespread or intense.
