SALT LAKE CITY — Severe storms swept across Utah Wednesday afternoon, causing flooding in some areas while heavy wind gusts sent debris flying.
Flood watches were put in place all day Wednesday for most of southern and central Utah, including many popular national parks. The watches extended to areas of Washington, Wayne, Sevier, Sanpete, Kane, Iron, Garfield, Emery, Carbon and Beaver counties.
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On Thursday, some of the flood watches were extended, impacting areas including Salt Lake Valley, the Wasatch back, eastern Box Elder County, the northern Wasatch front and other vulnerable areas.
Flood watches on Thursday are in place until 3 p.m.
Video shared with FOX 13 News from parts of northern Utah showed how dangerous the storms were on Wednesday. In Payson, debris could be seen flying across a parking lot.
Other video showed flooding near Hunter High School in West Valley City at 4100 South and 5600 West.
In Kaysville, vehicles moved slowly as 200 North was flooded under an overpass.
Because of flooding, California Avenue has been blocked from 2700 West to Gladiola Street, the Salt Lake City Police Department reported. Mudslides on SR-191 in Indian Canyon have also caused the highway to be closed until it could be cleaned up.
In addition to the watches, the National Weather Service warned that flash flooding was "expected" at many Utah National Parks Wednesday including Bryce Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef, Glen Canyon, and more. As of 4:30 p.m., no large flooding was reported, although rain fell throughout the day.
Video below shows rain, waterfalls at Zion National Park:
Officials warn that recreators should avoid vulnerable places such as slot canyons, normally dry washes and slickrock areas. Visitors should also check in with ranger stations and have a plan before heading out in case sudden dangerous weather appears.
Beyond southern and eastern areas of Utah, the rest of the state could also see storms as monsoons take over.
Duchesne received a brief hailstorm with small pebbles of hail raining down from the sky, as captured by resident Ronnie Richardson.
In Salt Lake City, storms are most likely to happen in the afternoon and evening. Heavy rain, small hail and gusty winds are all possible as storms cloud the Utah skies.
West Valley City saw some flooded roads as rain pummeled down, as shown in a video captured by Justin Ortiz. The video shows flooding near the Hunter High School softball field.
There's a marginal risk for severe weather and the main threats will be strong, gust wind, NWS reports. They urge residents to tie down loose objects.
In addition, if you see a flooded road, it's important to not attempt to drive through it and instead turn around, officials remind.
