A severe thunderstorm warning issued by the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, Utah, warned of “torrential rainfall” on Friday morning.
The NWS issued the warning just before 8 a.m. local time, and it was set to remain in place until 8:30 a.m.
Why It Matters
Severe storms can develop rapidly and with little warning. Severe thunderstorm warnings issued by the NWS seek to alert people in the path of the storm before it arrives. If a severe thunderstorm is located in your area, take shelter until it passes.
What To Know
On Friday morning, NWS meteorologists issued the warning for northeastern Wayne County in southern Utah and southeastern Emery County in central Utah.
“At 756 AM MDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 17 miles northwest of Canyonlands National Park, or 31 miles south of Green River, moving northeast at 30 mph,” the warning said. “This severe thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of northeastern Wayne and southeastern Emery Counties.”
The storm was accompanied by 60 mph wind gusts, quarter-size hail and torrential rain.
“Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees,” the warning said. “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”
Shortly after issuing the severe thunderstorm warning, NWS Salt Lake City issued a flash flood warning.
“Stay away or be swept away. River banks and culverts can become unstable and unsafe,” the warning said. “Remain alert for flooding even in locations not receiving rain. Dry washes, streams, and rivers can become raging killer currents in a matter of minutes, even from distant rainfall.”
NWS meteorologist Sam Webber, who works at the Salt Lake City office, told Newsweek the thunderstorm threat could dissipate later this morning.
“As we head into the afternoon, we are anticipating some redevelopment of showers and thunderstorms mainly over the high terrain of central and northeastern Utah before it will drift off into the adjacent valley areas,” the meteorologist added.
Webber said the main threat would be hail and gusty winds.
What People Are Saying
NWS Salt Lake City said in a special weather statement: “This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.”
It added: “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.”
NWS said in a Friday morning forecast: “Thunderstorms continue over the Intermountain West, High Plains, and South Florida; isolated to scattered flash flooding and severe weather possible.”
What Happens Next
The thunderstorm warning has expired as of publication, but more storms may develop throughout the day. People in the affected areas are urged to monitor local weather alerts.
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