GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Thunderstorms sweeping across western Colorado and eastern Utah could bring flash flooding, large hail, and damaging winds through Friday night, raising concerns for communities along burn scar areas and low-lying valleys.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a Flood Watch remains in effect until Friday evening for much of western and southwest Colorado, including Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Durango, and Cortez. Recent burn areas, such as Deer Creek, South Rim, and Turner Gulch, are especially vulnerable to debris flows and rapid runoff.
Heavy rain is expected to develop Friday afternoon, with storms capable of producing intense downpours. The strongest cells may bring winds up to 60 mph and hail, making travel hazardous on I-70 through the Roaring Fork Valley and U.S. 550 near Ouray and Silverton. Drivers are urged to avoid flood-prone roads and be ready to turn around if water covers the pavement.
Scattered showers are likely Saturday before conditions improve by Sunday. Drier air is forecast to settle over the region into early next week, bringing calmer weather and temperatures climbing back into the 80s.
Flooding concerns may trigger additional alerts, and residents are advised to stay weather-aware and check for new warnings.
Five Day Forecast for Grand Junction, CO
- Friday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, breezy. High near 78. Low 56.
- Saturday: Showers likely, some thunder possible. High near 75. Low 51.
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 78. Low 53.
- Monday: Sunny and warmer, high near 83. Low 56.
- Tuesday: Mostly clear and mild. High near 82. Low 53.
