Southern Utah is hit by outside edges
The effects of the rare storm will be felt through Tuesday.
(Richard Vogel | AP Photo) A plow clears debris along a flooded Sierra Highway in Palmdale, California as Tropical Storm Hilary sweeps through the area Sunday, August 20, 2023. The effects of the rare storm will be felt in southern Utah Tuesday.
Rain from the outer margins of Tropical Storm Hilary will continue over southern Utah through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, leading to widespread showers and thunderstorms — and possible flash flooding.
Humidity from Hilary, a major hurricane before becoming a tropical storm, dropped copious amounts of rain over Mexico and southern California. This is expected to coincide with a “renewed monsoon surge” and an ongoing risk of flooding.
A flash flood warning remains in effect in Utah’s southwest quarter, including Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, through 6 p.m. Monday. The areas most likely to experience flooding are slot canyons, normally dry riverbeds, areas near fresh burn scars, and areas with poor drainage.
In St. George the chance of rain is 30 to 50% on Monday and 50 to 80% on Monday evening.
(Mark J. Terrill | AP Photo) Vehicles crossed a flood control basin nearly reaching the road in Palm Desert, California, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. Meteorologists said Tropical Storm Hilary was the first tropical storm to strike southern California in 84 years. The effects of the rare storm will be felt across southern Utah through Tuesday.
A strong wind warning also remains in effect in western Utah through 9 p.m. Monday, with southerly winds expected at speeds of 30 to 40 mph and gusts of up to 60 mph. Winds are expected to gradually ease from south to north on Monday, according to the weather service.
No flooding is expected in the Salt Lake City area, but there is a 20% to 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms on Monday. And there’s a chance it will rain every day through Saturday – 80% on Tuesday, 50% on Wednesday and Thursday, and a lower chance on Friday and Saturday.
Although the weather is not expected to cause delays or cancellations of flights out of Salt Lake City International Airport, hundreds of flights from airports in Southern California and Las Vegas — some to Utah — have been canceled.
Flash floods in areas such as Zion, Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands National Parks are “likely” on Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service, this is “possible” in Arches and Capitol Reef National Parks.
