Grand Junction, Colorado – Residents and visitors across western Colorado and eastern Utah should prepare for another round of heavy thunderstorms today as repeated downpours raise the threat of flash flooding, especially in areas that have already received significant rainfall over the past several days.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a Flash Flood Watch remains in effect from 11 a.m. MDT today until 3 a.m. MDT Thursday for much of eastern Utah and western Colorado. Slow-moving thunderstorms are expected to produce moderate to heavy rainfall, with the greatest concern centered on recent burn scars, slot canyons, slickrock terrain, creeks and normally dry washes.
Communities including Grand Junction, Moab, Montrose, Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Delta, Vernal and surrounding mountain recreation areas should remain alert for rapidly changing conditions. Burn scars remain especially vulnerable, where heavy rainfall can quickly produce dangerous flash flooding and debris flows. Water levels in creeks and streams may rise rapidly, even if heavy rain falls several miles upstream.
The threat will continue well after sunset, making nighttime flooding particularly dangerous due to reduced visibility and rapidly changing road conditions. Travelers through canyon roads, backcountry routes and popular recreation areas should monitor weather conditions closely and be prepared to alter plans if storms develop.
Residents and visitors should have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and never drive through flooded roadways or standing water. Flash flooding can occur with little warning, especially in steep terrain and recently burned areas.
Thunderstorm chances continue into Thursday before a drying trend gradually develops later in the week. Additional Flash Flood Warnings may be issued today and tonight as heavy rainfall develops across western Colorado and eastern Utah.
