Southeast Utah faces flood watch through Friday

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Moab and much of southeast Utah, effective from Wednesday, Oct. 21, through noon on Friday, Oct. 23. The watch, issued by the Grand Junction office, covers several areas including Spanish Valley, Castle Valley, La Sal, Canyonlands National Park, and the Abajo Mountains, as well as parts of southwest Colorado.

A surge of tropical moisture is expected to bring heavy rain, with the heaviest precipitation anticipated on Thursday. Forecasters predict 1 to 3 inches of rain across the southern half of the forecast area, with a 95% chance of precipitation for Moab on Thursday.

Potential flooding risks include rivers, creeks, streams, recent burn scars, and low-lying areas. There is an elevated risk of flash flooding on desert floors and in dry washes, with flood risks remaining high through Friday as runoff continues.