Utah Issues Flood Watches and Wind Advisories for Rachel Storm

Utah is preparing for impacts from Tropical Storm Rachel as the Pacific system moves toward the state, with the National Weather Service issuing flood watches and wind advisories because the storm's remnants could bring heavy rain, flooding and damaging winds across Utah.

The National Weather Service said most of Utah could receive 2 to 4 inches of rainfall, with higher totals possible in mountain areas. Valley locations are expected to receive about 1 to 2 inches, while some mountain slopes could see highly localized totals of 6 to 8 inches.

Flood risks are expected at Utah state and national parks, monuments and outdoor recreation areas. The National Weather Service said the flooding threat could become more significant on Sunday, especially in southwest Utah, and could continue into early next week.

"Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop," said the National Weather Service.

The weather service also warned that wind gusts could reach 55 to 60 mph before the former hurricane arrives, with stronger gusts possible in central and southern Utah. Forecasters said some areas could experience gusts exceeding 60 to 70 mph.

KSL Weather meteorologist Devan Masciulli said rainfall totals remain uncertain because the storm's track and interaction with another low-pressure system could change where precipitation develops.

"It's a factor of where that circulation sets and where it passes through Utah," said Devan Masciulli, KSL Weather meteorologist.

Masciulli said weather models have shifted between possible storm paths through southwestern Utah or southeastern Nevada. She noted that mountains, valleys and rain shadow effects could influence final precipitation amounts.

"It's complex," said Devan Masciulli, KSL Weather meteorologist.

The strongest wind concern is linked to a possible sting jet, which the Met Office described as a narrow area of intense wind that can form within some storm systems. The weather service said this risk is highest in southwest Utah as the system moves through mountains and valleys.

"small area of very intense winds," said the Met Office.

Masciulli said wind impacts could be severe when combined with saturated ground conditions, increasing the chance of fallen trees, injuries, power outages and property damage.

"These are severe-level winds. When you add saturated soils and very strong wind like that, that's going to knock down trees and that can cause a bunch of issues, like injuries, power outages and damage," said Devan Masciulli, KSL Weather meteorologist.

The weather service also noted that strong thunderstorms and an isolated tornado threat were possible in southern Utah on Sunday, while the risk of strong wind gusts is expected to decrease by Monday.