Grand Junction, Colo. — Tropical moisture streaming into western Colorado is fueling heavy rain and raising the threat of flash flooding through late Saturday night. The National Weather Service in Grand Junction issued a Flood Watch covering much of western and central Colorado, warning residents in low-lying and mountain regions to stay alert for fast-changing conditions.
According to the NWS, the watch remains in effect through early Sunday morning for areas including the Central Colorado River Basin, Grand Valley, Gunnison River Valley, and the Flat Tops, Gore, and Elk Mountains. Excessive rainfall may cause flooding in slot canyons, dry washes, and steep terrain recently burned by wildfires. Urban and rural flood-prone zones could also see fast water rises.
Roads near the Uncompahgre River and along U.S. Highway 50 and Interstate 70 could experience ponding and debris flow during downpours. Rockslides and mudslides are possible across the West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, particularly on slopes weakened by saturated soil.
Residents in vulnerable zones are urged to avoid travel across flooded roads and to monitor later forecasts for potential Flood Warnings.
Flood Watch remains in effect through late Saturday, with additional rainfall expected across much of the Western Slope.
