ST. GEORGE — The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued a flash flood warning Wednesday morning for parts of Washington County, as well as Mohave County in Arizona.

According to the weather service, a flash flood warning is in effect for Beaver Dam Wash in southwestern Washington County from 9:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain across the warned area.

Flash flooding already is occurring in Beaver Dam Wash, according to the weather service. Flash flooding of heavy rains can be life-threatening. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Motoqua.

The weather service also issued a flash flood watch for portions of Southern Utah. Moderate to heavy rain will fall on a deep, primed snowpack in the headwaters of the Virgin River, Paria, Kanab Creek, and Buckskin, leading to increased snow melt and runoff. Flows on all area streams, rivers and slot canyons will be high and could lead to flooding.

This flood watch is in effect through Thursday afternoon in south-central Utah and lower Washington County.

High flows on all area streams, rivers, and slot canyons across southwest Utah caused by rain and snowmelt are possible. In particular, the Virgin River at Bloomington may approach flood
stage by Thursday morning.

Self-serve sandbags are being offered free of charge to Santa Clara and Ivins residents at the Santa Clara Fire Station on Rachel Drive, Santa Clara-Ivins Fire Chief Andrew Parker said.

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain.

The weather service issued another flood warning in effect until 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

Flooding caused by excessive rainfall and snowmelt is occurring. The Hildale/Colorado City area, including the following counties, Kane and Washington, are included in this warning.

Peak water levels expected later this afternoon or evening before subsiding slowly Thursday
morning.

Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Numerous roads remain closed due to flooding. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable. Water levels may continue to rise through this evening before subsiding Thursday morning.

At 1026 a.m. MDT, local law enforcement reported flooding in the warned area. Flooding is already occurring.

Also in effect is a flash flood warning for north central Mohave County in northwestern Arizona until 11:15 a.m. MST.

At 8:25 a.m. MST, gauge reports indicated heavy rain falling across the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Beaver Dam and Littlefield. This includes the following streams and drainages: Castle Cliff Wash, Beaver Dam Wash, Virgin River and Big Bend Wash.

A flash flood warning means that flooding is imminent or occurring. If you are in the warned area move to higher ground immediately. Residents living along streams and creeks should take immediate precautions to protect life and property.

In hilly terrain, there are hundreds of washes and low-water crossings that are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.

Precautions

Flash flooding is a very dangerous situation. The public should monitor the latest forecasts and be prepared to take action.

Turn around. Don’t drown.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and the National Weather Service offer the following safety rules for flash flooding:

• Flash flood waves, moving at incredible speeds, can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges and scour out new channels. Killing walls of water can reach heights of 10 to 20 feet. You will not always have warning that these deadly, sudden floods are coming. When a flash flood warning is issued for your area or the moment you first realize that a flash flood is imminent, act quickly to save yourself. You may have only seconds.
• Most flood deaths occur in automobiles. Do not drive your vehicle into areas where the water covers the roadway. Flood waters are usually deeper than they appear. The road bed may not be intact under the water. Just one foot of flowing water is powerful enough to sweep vehicles off the road. If the vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away.
• Do not hike rivers and especially slot canyons while flash flood warnings are in place.
• Do not hike alone and always tell someone where you and your buddy and others are going.
• Get out of areas subject to flooding, including dips, low spots, canyons and washes.
• Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not try to cross a flowing stream on foot where water is above your knees.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.

During any flood emergency, stay tuned to official weather reports via radio, television and social media. Cell phone users can also sign up to receive weather alerts as text messages. You can also follow St. George News and Cedar City News for weather alerts and updates relevant to Southern Utah.

For the most current conditions, warnings and advisories, go to the National Weather Service-Salt Lake City office website.

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