Flash Flood Watches Issued As Monsoon Arrives In Colorado
By Chris Spears
DENVER (CBS4) - The National Weather Service has placed a large part of Colorado under a Flash Flood Watch through Friday evening.
Slow moving thunderstorms generated by the North American Monsoon will have the potential to drop several inches of rain in a short period of time.
A flash flood watch means that heavy rain could develop and to pay attention to the forecast. Flash flood warnings are issued when flooding is imminent or already in progress.
Much of the state was under a watch on Thursday but widespread heavy rainfall did not materialize.
The monsoon, which began on June 15, is simply a seasonal shift in the wind pattern.
For Colorado that means winds in the atmosphere blow from the south bringing high amounts of moisture into the state.
CR 41 and CR HH washed out pic.twitter.com/ovfAvCnhcR
— Kit Carson Co S.O. (@KCCSheriff) July 1, 2016
Flash flood watches serve as a good reminder of the National Weather Service's "Turn Around Don't Drown" safety campaign.
Although a flooded road may not look dangerous, the pavement beneath the water could be washed out.
Many vehicles can float in as little as six inches of fast moving water.
Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio, connect with him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.