The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings for Coconino County until 9:15 p.m. August 17.
Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms with heavy rainfall along the Nankoweap River basin. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is currently occurring or expected to begin shortly.
Life-threatening flash floods can occur at fords, streams, normally dry riverbeds and roads.
Locations that will experience flash flooding include Point Imperial Picnic Area, Grand Canyon National Park, Vista Encantada, and Saddle Mountain Wilderness.
These include the following recreation areas and campgrounds: Little Nankoweap Camp Site, Upper Nankoweap Camp Site, and Main Nankoweap Camp Site.
These include the following creeks, streambeds and rivers: Little Nankoweap Creek, Clear Creek, Bright Angel Creek, Colorado River, Nankoweap Canyon, Saddle Canyon, Nankoweap Creek and Kwagunt Creek.
Doppler radar also showed thunderstorms producing heavy rains over portions of House Rock Road near the Arizona-Utah border. Between 0.75 and 1.5 inches of rain fell. Flash flooding is currently occurring or is expected to begin shortly. The stormwater is flowing northward through Coyote Wash and into Buckskin Wash.
Life-threatening flash floods can occur at fords, streams, normally dry riverbeds and roads.
Locations where flash flooding will occur include The Wave and Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
These include the following streams, creeks and rivers: Rock Canyon, Coyote Wash and White Sage Wash.
Doppler radar also indicated thunderstorms with heavy rainfall over the Paria River basin in Utah. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. Flash flooding is currently occurring or expected to begin soon.
Life-threatening flash floods may occur in the areas in and around the Paria River.
Areas where flash flooding will occur include Paria Canyon, Paria River Slot Canyon, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Grand Canyon National Park, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and Lees Ferry.
These include the following recreation areas and campgrounds: Lees Ferry Campground, Lees Ferry Campground and Lees Ferry Camp Site.
These include the following slot canyons: Paria River upstream of Lees Ferry.
These include the following streams, estuaries and rivers: Paria River and Colorado River.
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For the latest observations and warnings, please visit our Weather Alerts page.
Tips for flood weather
Coconino County officials offered residents the following tips to prepare for approaching storms and potential flooding hazards.
- Protect your property from flooding and take out flood insurance.
- Plan to shelter in place and evacuate.
- Evacuate if instructed to do so.
- Seek higher ground (in case of flash flooding) or stay on higher ground.
- Avoid walking or driving through flood water. The depth and speed of the water are not always obvious; the ground or road may be washed away suddenly and there may be hidden dangers; do not attempt to evacuate through flood water.
- Learn how to avoid injuries from debris, contaminated water, carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, and damage to buildings and infrastructure.
- Have the structure and utilities professionally checked or inspected before entering flooded buildings.
This article was created by The Arizona Republic and USA TODAY Network using data from the National Weather Service. It was edited by a staff writer.
