Remnants of Hurricane Nora are expected to bolster the monsoons and bring heavy rainfall to the desert Southwest and Four Corners area.
The National Weather Service has predicted strong thunderstorms for Western Colorado this week and the potential for flash flooding in southeastern Utah.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the region beginning Tuesday night and continuing through Thursday.
A flash flood watch has been issued for southeast Utah from 6 a.m. Wednesday to noon Thursday.
There is increased flash flooding potential for vulnerable areas, including burn scars, slot canyons, and complex mountainous terrain.
“Deep monsoonal moisture, bolstered by the remnants of Nora will be streaming into eastern Utah and western Colorado,” states the weather service forecast. “Multiple rounds of rainfall are possible.”
The heaviest rainfall in southwest Colorado and southeast Utah is expected Wednesday afternoon and evening.
There is a high probability that more than 0.5 inches of rain will fall in much of Montezuma and La Plata counties from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Friday.
Isolated showers and thunderstorms will form Tuesday evening, become widespread by Wednesday morning and continue through early Thursday morning.
Showers and storms will become more isolated to scattered during the day Thursday but heavy rainfall will still be possible.
Wildfire burn scars will be especially susceptible to heavy rainfall leading to quick runoff responses with the potential for debris and mud flows.
Locally, the East Canyon burn scar near Mancos and 416 Fire burn scar in the Animas Valley could see debris flows from heavy rains.
Be prepared for hazardous weather. Know the forecast, do not drive into flood waters, and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.
Also, take caution when driving next to steep terrain, check weather and road conditions before heading out, and be prepared for a sudden rise of water in streams, canyons and arroyos.
The shot of moisture is attributed to Hurricane Nora, which is traveling up the west coast of Mexico, and pushing storms into the desert Southwest and the Four Corners.
