By Charlie G. Patreus
Hurricane Hilary, labeled a Category 4 storm over the weekend, triggered a tropical storm watch in parts of southern California for the first time. California and Nevada anticipate heavy rain from the storm’s movement across the Southwest. Utah’s impact remains uncertain, but heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected. Thunderstorms have already begun to occur in Provo, Springville, and Spanish Fork.
As moisture from Hilary heads north into the desert areas of the Southwest, flooding concerns are heightened. Hilary’s heavy rain is already flooding Mexico’s Baja California and bringing hurricane force winds to southern California. They’re starting to move northward.
Utah could face monsoon surges, primarily in southern Utah. Cedar City experienced flooding last Thursday evening. Heavy rain across the state is expected by Saturday. Intense rain might occur in central and eastern Utah. It remains to be seen how much water this storm will add to Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake.
Although Utah’s risk is low, monitoring continues. Avoid flood-prone areas, follow Salt Lake National Weather Service alerts, and remember safety precautions in case of flooding.
Stay away from small streams, slot canyons, burned forests, and other places prone to flooding. If your neighborhood does flood, remember: “turn around, don’t drown.” Merely 6 inches of water can move a car. A foot of water can consume a car entirely and push it into a current. In the worst scenarios, this could be fatal. In the best scenarios, it requires help from first responders. Be safe out there.
Provo Tribune: Local News for the Provo/Orem Area 