An active monsoon surge brought several back-to-back days of thunderstorms producing heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, and hail across the state.
Every event with a place to put it; 1 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS SLC wrote it up.
An active monsoon surge brought several back-to-back days of thunderstorms producing heavy rain, damaging wind gusts, and hail across the state.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Salt Lake City, UT wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jul 24, 8:39 AM MST, 4 hours 45 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Salt Lake City UT 939 AM MDT Sat Jul 24 2021 .SYNOPSIS...Drier air will remain over northern Utah and southwest Wyoming over the weekend. Deep moisture will linger across southern Utah, leading to daily showers and thunderstorms with localized heavy rainfall. Deep moisture will return northward early next week. && .DISCUSSION...Broad high pressure remains centered just west of the area this morning. Under a weak north to northwest flow aloft, the airmass continues to dry from the north, with PWs in northern Utah and southwest Wyoming currently in the 0.3 to 0.5 inch range. However, deep moisture remains in place over southern Utah, particularly for areas near the Arizona border, where PWs are still in the 1.2 to 1.4 inch range, above the 90th percentile for this time of year. With instability increasing with daytime heating, should see another round of showers and thunderstorms over southern Utah this afternoon into this evening, with any storms that develop capable of producing heavy rain. CAMs show the greatest threat for precip over southwest Utah, particularly in the vicinity of Zion National Park, where PWs are highest, so would expect the greatest threat for flooding to be in this area. Current Flash Flood Watch and RRA product covers this threat well, especially as cloud cover over the area diminishes. In the drier airmass over northern portions of the forecast area, will see a continued warming trend into Sunday with maxes running in excess of 5F above normal, likely producing some high temperatures at or above 100F for portions of the Wasatch Front. Precip and cloud cover will likely keep temperatures near or below seasonal normals over southern Utah. The weak low over New Mexico is expected to track west through the early part of next week, moving off the southern California coast by Monday afternoon. The movement of this low will shift the position of the ridge, bringing a more southerly component to the flow aloft across the area by Monday. A bit of moisture may return northward Sunday but this trend should begin in earnest by Monday, allowing the threat of convection to move back northward. Little change in the pattern is anticipated through much of the upcoming week, keeping a threat of showers and thunderstorms for much or all of the area over the next several days. No updates expected to the forecast this morning. && .AVIATION...KSLC...VFR conditions are expected across the valid TAF period. Smoke will increase this afternoon, but visibility is expected to remain above 6SM. Light winds are expected to become prevailing northwesterly by 18Z, increasing during the afternoon. Rest of Utah and southwest Wyoming...VFR conditions are expected to prevail across the area today. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across southern Utah after 18Z with gusty and erratic winds possible in and around thunderstorm areas. There is a 30 percent change of brief MVFR conditions in heavy rain with any storms. Smoke will begin to increase across northern Utah and southwest Wyoming but no reduction in visibility below 6SM is anticipated. && .FIRE WEATHER...Scattered to numerous wet thunderstorms will develop across southern Utah during the afternoon and evening hours this weekend, with the focus of the best storms primarily across far southwest Utah. Meanwhile, northern Utah will see an increasingly hot, dry, and stable airmass, with just a few cumulus buildups possible over the Uintas. High pressure will amplify on Monday with the resulting southerly flow spreading moisture northward once again. This moisture is expected to lift across central Utah on Monday and reach northern Utah by Tuesday, bringing with it an increase in thunderstorm activity. && .SLC WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... UT...Flash Flood Watch through this evening for UTZ123>125. WY...None. && Traphagan For more information from NOAA's National Weather Service visit... http://weather.gov/saltlakecity For frequently asked questions about the Area Forecast Discussion visit... http://weather.gov/saltlakecity/general/afd_faqs.php
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Salt Lake City UT 607 AM MDT Sat Jul 24 2021 UTZ101>131-WYZ021-251300- Great Salt Lake Desert and Mountains-Tooele and Rush Valleys- Eastern Box Elder County-Northern Wasatch Front-Salt Lake Valley- Utah Valley-Cache Valley/Utah Portion-Wasatch Back- Bear Lake and Bear River Valley-Wasatch Mountains I-80 North- Wasatch Mountains South of I-80-Western Uinta Mountains- Wasatch Plateau/Book Cliffs-Western Uinta Basin- Western Millard and Juab Counties-Eastern Juab/Millard Counties- Central Mountains-Sanpete Valley-Sevier Valley-Castle Country- San Rafael Swell-Southwest Utah-Lower Washington County- Zion National Park-Southern Mountains-Upper Sevier River Valleys- Bryce Canyon Country-South Central Utah- Capitol Reef National Park and Vicinity-Western Canyonlands- Glen Canyon Recreation Area/Lake Powell-Southwest Wyoming- 607 AM MDT Sat Jul 24 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the western two thirds of Utah and southwest Wyoming. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Showers and thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rain, gusty winds, and small hail will once again occur this afternoon and evening. The strongest storms are expected across southwest Utah where a potential for flash flooding exists, especially in prone areas such as slot canyons, burn scars, areas of steep terrain, and normally dry washes and streams. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday Daily showers and thunderstorms capable of heavy rain, gusty winds and small hail will occur each afternoon and evening over mainly southern Utah on Sunday before spreading north into central Utah on Monday and northern Utah by Tuesday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed. Please relay any information about observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines. For more information from NOAA/s National Weather Service visit... http://weather.gov/saltlakecity For information on potential road travel impacts visit... http://www.udottraffic.utah.gov/roadweatherforecast.aspx
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Salt Lake City UT 1258 PM MDT Sat Jul 24 2021 UTZ125-127-128-241930- South Central Utah UT-Bryce Canyon Country UT-Southern Mountains UT- 1258 PM MDT Sat Jul 24 2021 ...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SOUTHWESTERN GARFIELD AND NORTH CENTRAL KANE COUNTIES UNTIL 130 PM MDT... At 1257 PM MDT, National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated a strong thunderstorm near Bryce Canyon National Park, or 31 miles west of Escalante. This storm was nearly stationary. Half inch hail will be possible. Locations impacted include... Henrieville, Bryce Canyon National Park, Tropic, Cannonville, Kodachrome Basin State Park and Rubys Inn. This includes Utah Route 12 between mile markers 14 and 29. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If threatening weather approaches, take shelter in a sturdy building. Heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. && LAT...LON 3767 11226 3772 11205 3749 11196 3747 11230 TIME...MOT...LOC 1857Z 355DEG 3KT 3761 11215 ND
The Cedar City radar (KICX), 65 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 20:26 UTC.
15 flash flood, 5 thunderstorm wind, 1 hail, 1 dust storm, 1 heavy rain, 1 tornado. Local standard time, as filed.
Hildale dispatch reported 10 power poles down throughout the city, along with multiple downed trees. Time estimated by radar.
Video received showed 2 to 3 feet deep water flowing down a street in Hildale, eroding a portion of the road.
Video received showed significant flows through a normally dry wash just south of Tropic, including a mature fully grown tree floating beneath an underpass along Bryce Highway. In addition, Bryce Canyon National Park officials reported the closure of the Queens Garden Trail, Navajo Loop, and the road to Bryce Point due to flooding.
Zion National Park officials reported flash flooding in portions of the park, including the Narrows, Kolob Canyons, and Telephone Canyon.
Hail up to 1 inch in diameter fell at the Veyo Pool Resort. Time estimated by radar.
The manager of Veyo Pool Resort reported a 7 foot rise on the Santa Clara River. Campsites were evacuated near the river.
The Iron County Emergency Manager reported flooding in Parowan. Floodwaters moved protective concrete barriers for the power plant and pushed them into the power plant building.
Video received showed deep and swift moving water flowing westward down Center Street and 700 E in Paragonah. Flows originated from Red Creek, which empties into Paragonah from the east. Radar estimated up to 2.15 inches of rain upstream over the Red Creek drainage.
A tree fell on a power line in Greenville.
The Interstate 15 at Milepost 62.5 automated weather station recorded a wind gust of 61 mph.
Thunderstorm outflow winds generated blowing dust with near zero visibility along Interstate 15 near milepost 152 south of Fillmore. This resulted in a multi vehicle pileup with at least 22 vehicles involved, 8 fatalities, and 10 injuries. The nearest mesonet site located 7 miles south of the crash site recorded a wind gust to 32 mph around the time of the crash, at approximately 430 PM MDT.
Heavy rainfall of 1.05 inches was observed in about 55 minutes.
The Iron County Emergency Manager reported six feet of water flowed over a flood control barrier in Paragonah, resulting in flash flooding in the city. Several homes were flooded. Fifty people were stranded in Red Creek Canyon east of the city.
A significant flash flood wave in Pine Creek was reported by Zion National Park staff.
Water flowed across many roadways in Cedar City, including across Interstate 15 near milepost 59.
A video showed flash flooding at the confluence of Birch and North Creeks into the Escalante River.
The Escalante River gauge near Escalante indicated a rise from 3 CFS to 1060 CFS, a rise of 4 feet.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument officials reported that significant damage was sustained on House Rock Road near Wire Pass due to flash flooding.
A received video showed a flood wave with significant debris moving through Big Water, UT.
The Paria - Kanab gauge on the Paria River indicated a rise from 23 CFS to 1450 CFS with the primary flood wave. The time above 1000 CFS was from 2315 MDT to 0130 MDT.
Capitol Reef National Park officials reported flash flooding across Scenic Drive in multiple locations, including Grand Wash and across State Route 24, closing the road. A muddy debris flow was also reported in Sulphur Creek.
Social media video showed strong winds, small hail, and heavy rain in Penrose. A garage door was damaged. The peak wind gust was estimated at 60 mph.
LANDSPOUT. A weak, but well-formed, landspout tornado was observed in multiple videos shared via social media.
The Five Mile automated weather station recorded a peak wind gust of 67 mph. The gust appeared to be associated with a microburst from a decaying thunderstorm.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dust Storm, Eastern Juab/Millard Counties | 2021-07-25 | 30 | Female | Vehicle/Towed Trailer | Direct |
| Dust Storm, Eastern Juab/Millard Counties | 2021-07-25 | 6 | Male | Vehicle/Towed Trailer | Direct |
| Dust Storm, Eastern Juab/Millard Counties | 2021-07-25 | 2 | Male | Vehicle/Towed Trailer | Direct |
| Dust Storm, Eastern Juab/Millard Counties | 2021-07-25 | 37 | Male | Vehicle/Towed Trailer | Direct |
| Dust Storm, Eastern Juab/Millard Counties | 2021-07-25 | 12 | Male | Vehicle/Towed Trailer | Direct |
| Dust Storm, Eastern Juab/Millard Counties | 2021-07-25 | 51 | Male | Vehicle/Towed Trailer | Direct |
| Dust Storm, Eastern Juab/Millard Counties | 2021-07-25 | 47 | Female | Vehicle/Towed Trailer | Direct |
| Dust Storm, Eastern Juab/Millard Counties | 2021-07-25 | 15 | Male | Vehicle/Towed Trailer | Direct |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Utah in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Utah, 2021Warnings in Utah, July 2021
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 974340, 974304, 974327, 974328, 974341, 974342, 974343, 974344, 974345, 974346, 974349, 974348, 974347, 974480, 974481, 974482, 974484, 974485, 974486, 974489, 974493, 974494, 974495, 974496.