The National Weather Service office in Salt Lake City has issued a Flash Flood Warning for two counties in southwestern Utah: Washington and Kane. The warning was issued at 9:11 PM MDT on October 11 and remains in effect until 12:15 AM MDT on October 12.
A Flash Flood Warning means flooding is already happening or is about to happen shortly — this is more urgent than a watch. In this part of Utah, flash floods often develop in slot canyons, dry washes, and normally calm creeks, and they can occur downstream from storms even where little rain has fallen locally.
Residents and visitors in Washington and Kane counties — including areas around St. George, Hurricane, Kanab, and nearby recreation areas — may notice rapidly rising water in washes and low-lying roads, water covering roadways, and debris moving in normally dry streambeds. Anyone camping or hiking in canyon country tonight should take this warning seriously.
What to do right now
Move away from washes, creeks, and canyon bottoms, and get to higher ground if you are in a flood-prone spot. Never drive or walk through water covering a road — even shallow moving water can sweep away a vehicle or knock a person down. Keep your phone charged with emergency alerts enabled in case the warning is extended or expanded.
Data for this alert comes from the National Weather Service (NWS) Salt Lake City office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right now?
Move to higher ground if you are near a wash, creek, or canyon, and avoid driving until the warning expires at 12:15 AM MDT. Never cross a flooded roadway — turn around and find another route.
How long will this warning last?
The current warning runs until 12:15 AM MDT on October 12, about three hours from issuance. NWS Salt Lake City may extend or expand it if heavy rain continues.
Is it dangerous if it isn't raining where I am?
Yes — in southwestern Utah, flash floods can surge through slot canyons and washes miles downstream from the actual storm. Blue sky overhead does not mean a dry wash is safe tonight.
I'm camping in the area. Should I be worried?
If your campsite is in or near a canyon bottom, wash, or low crossing in Washington or Kane County, relocate to higher ground now. Flooding at night is especially dangerous because rising water is hard to see.
Keep tracking this:
Source: National Weather Service (NWS)
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Sky & Solar Conditions at the Time
Moon: New Moon (2% illuminated), in Scorpio.
Notable planetary angles: Moon conjunct Venus (1°), Venus square Mars (89°), Moon square Mars (88°), Sun sextile Jupiter (57°).
Concurrent space weather: planetary Kp index 1.7; strongest recent solar flare: nothing notable.
This is a factual snapshot, not a claim of cause and effect – researchers are divided on whether lunar, planetary or solar factors influence seismic or weather activity. It’s included so readers can track the pattern for themselves over time.
