The East and West coasts of the United States were threatened by life-threatening flash flooding on Tuesday, as severe storms inundated parts of the Northeast while monsoon rains continued to drench the Southwest.
The National Weather Service issued flood watches for parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut on Tuesday, along with tornado watches covering portions of the region through the evening as strong thunderstorms moved through the area.
Flood watches were also issued for much of southern and central Utah, warning of possible flash flooding in Zion National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and parts of Canyonlands.
The weather service warned of "life-threatening flash flooding" and said excessive rainfall over the burn scar could trigger debris flows carrying "rock, mud, vegetation, and other loose materials."
Excessive rainfall may result in flooding of slot canyons, normally dry washes, slick rock areas, recent burn scars, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, the notice said.
The National Park Service emphasized the unpredictability and deadliness of flash floods, particularly in the West due to the arid environment that cannot rapidly absorb water.
Visitor safety is the top priority, and the park service urges the public to stay aware of changing weather conditions.
In western Colorado, the National Weather Service issued multiple flash flood warnings, including one that urged residents and visitors to move away from the Turner Gulch burn scar.
Photos released by Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park show the aftermath of mudslides after heavy monsoon rains triggered flash flooding in the park.
More than 20 day-trippers, campers, and anglers were temporarily stranded at Gunnison National Park after mudslides blocked East Portal Road, officials said.
The ongoing flood threat comes after a Utah family's hiking trip turned deadly when flash floodwaters swept through the area.
The family, who were found dead after floodwaters swept through the Sunglow Campground area, part of Fishlake National Forest near Bicknell, Utah, were identified as Provo Fire Capt. Spencer Long, his wife, Katrina, and their three sons, Reid, Thayne, and Gage.
The U.S. Forest Service warned that everyone recreating on public lands should monitor current weather forecasts, heed flash flood warnings, and avoid entering narrow canyons, washes, or other flood-prone areas when storms are possible.
