Grand Canyon National Park has issued a flood warning due to potential excessive rainfall through Wednesday afternoon. Park official warn that flash flood are possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas:
“Low-water crossings could also experience flash flooding, which would create deadly travel conditions. Raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons.”
This flood watch comes 9 months after an extreme flash flood event in nearby Havasu Canyon which stranded approximately 200 hikers and required the Arizona National Guard evacuated over 100 people.
Flood warning in Grand Canyon National Park should be taken very seriously and anyone traveling the area should use extreme caution. Park official advise visitors to have a way to receive Flash Flood Warnings and be prepared to take action should warnings be issued. For additional information on weather conditions Grand Canyon National Park recommends weather.gov/flagstaff.
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK WARNING:
WHAT – Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
WHERE – Portions of north central and west central Arizona, including the following areas, in north central Arizona, Coconino Plateau, Eastern Mogollon Rim, Grand Canyon Country, Kaibab Plateau and Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County. In west central Arizona, Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons, Western Mogollon Rim, Yavapai County Mountains and Yavapai County Valleys and Basins.
WHEN – Through Wednesday afternoon.
IMPACTS – Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings could also experience flash flooding, which would create deadly travel conditions. Raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS – Flash flooding is possible due to localized heavy rain from thunderstorms, with heavier amounts possible over training thunderstorms. – Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:
Have a way to receive Flash Flood Warnings and be prepared to take action should warnings be issued.
images from Grand Canyon National Park Facebook