United States Severe Weather Triggers Flash Flood Warnings in Utah and Illinois
Multiple flash flood warnings remain active across parts of the United States as United States severe weather brings heavy rain to Utah and Illinois while a tropical system adds further flood threats in Hawaii.
Current Flash Flood Warnings in Utah and Illinois
A Flash Flood Warning remains active for southeastern Washington County in southwestern Utah until 1230 PM MDT after Doppler radar showed thunderstorms producing heavy rain in Springdale with 0.5 to 1 inch already fallen and flash flooding occurring. [1] The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued the alert, noting that thunderstorms are producing life-threatening flash flooding. [1] Radar indicated the hazard with impacts that include life-threatening conditions from the ongoing flooding. [1]
Flash Flood Warnings have also been issued for Clark County and Cass County in Illinois where 1 to 4 inches of rain have fallen with additional showers continuing and flash flooding ongoing or imminent in small creeks, urban areas, highways and low-lying spots. [2] At 1023 AM CDT in Clark County, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area with between 1 and 4 inches of rain already fallen. [2] Additional moderate to heavy showers will continue, and flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. [2] The hazard involves flash flooding caused by thunderstorms, with impacts that include flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. [2]
In Cass County, at 1016 AM CDT local law enforcement reported thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area with between 1 and 2 inches of rain already fallen. [5] Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in that county as well. [5] The hazard remains flash flooding caused by thunderstorms, with the same types of impacts to creeks, urban zones, highways and low-lying spots. [5] These warnings form part of the broader United States severe weather pattern affecting multiple states simultaneously.
Tropical Storm Lala Approaches Hawaii
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Tropical Storm Lala is located 455 miles southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, with 60 mph winds and is forecast to bring 5-8 inches of rain generally and up to 12-18 inches in higher elevations, prompting a state of emergency, a Hurricane Warning for the Big Island and a Tropical Storm Watch for Maui County. [3] The system developed in the Central Pacific on Thursday. [3] Officials warn of intense rainfall as the storm approaches or passes near the islands. [3] The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Lala will develop into a powerful tropical storm, with a landfall as a hurricane not ruled out even as models show it passing just to the south of the Big Island on Saturday. [3] Rainfall amounts of 5-8 inches are projected for the majority of the islands through Sunday, while higher elevations and windward sides of the Big Island and Maui may see between 12 and 18 inches. [3] The most significant danger from this system centers on the intense rainfall and the risk of life-threatening flooding and mudslides. [3]
Hawaii Declares State of Emergency
Hawaii Governor Josh Green declared a state of emergency citing the serious threat particularly to Hawaiʻi Island and urged residents to prepare supplies and emergency plans. [3] On Thursday the governor announced the declaration as officials brace for potentially substantial effects throughout the islands. [3] “Tropical Storm Lala poses a serious threat to our state, particularly Hawaiʻi Island — and we are taking action now to ensure resources are available where they are needed,” Governor Green stated. [3] He added that everyone should secure their homes, gather essential supplies, review their family emergency plans, and follow updates from trusted official sources while taking the storm seriously and looking out for one another. [3] A Hurricane Warning is currently active for the Big Island, while a Tropical Storm Watch is in place for Maui County, which encompasses the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe. [3] The Big Island is anticipated to start experiencing rainfall from Lala by midday on Friday, with the intensity of the downpours expected to increase throughout the day. [3]
River Flooding Forecast in Illinois
A Flood Warning for minor flooding is in effect for the Spoon River at London Mills in Illinois from Saturday evening to Monday afternoon, affecting agricultural land. [4] The National Weather Service in Lincoln issued the warning for the Spoon River at London Mills affecting Knox and Fulton Counties. [4] The forecasts are based on observed precipitation, soil moisture conditions, and forecast precipitation. [4] Minor flooding is forecast, with impacts that include minor flooding beginning to agricultural land near the river when levels reach 15.0 feet. [4] The warning covers the period from Saturday evening to Monday afternoon. [4]
Historical Context for Hawaiian Tropical Systems
The most recent tropical storm to make landfall in Hawaii was Olivia, which impacted Maui and Lanai in 2018. [3] Prior to that, the last hurricane to strike the state was Category 4 Iniki in 1992, which is still recognized as the most expensive hurricane in Hawaiian history. [3] The emergence of Lala is indicative of a larger trend of heightened tropical activity in the Pacific Basin, partly attributed to the rapidly intensifying El Niño climate pattern. [3]
What to watch next: Additional showers will continue across the warned areas in Illinois while Lala is expected to pass just south of the Big Island on Saturday with rainfall intensity increasing throughout Friday.
