Monsoon-fueled storms are pushing across the Wasatch Front on Wednesday, Sept. 16, threatening flooding in Bountiful, Farmington, Woods Cross and North Salt Lake. Heavy rain and strong winds could hit low-lying areas hardest.

The Storm Prediction Center placed parts of the Wasatch Front under a Marginal "Level 1 of 5" risk for severe weather Wednesday afternoon, with gusty winds and large hail possible, ABC4 meteorologist Cedric Haynes reported. The Bountiful and Farmington area falls within that Wasatch Front zone.

"It will not be safe to be in low-lying areas, and just a reminder: you should never cross floodwaters," Haynes said.

The monsoon moisture made strong storms possible across the Wasatch Front Wednesday morning. Haynes said additional storms were expected on the eastern side of the state Wednesday afternoon. The excessive rainfall threat for southern Utah, Castle Country and eastern Utah was rated "Slight," a Level 2 of 4, with flash flooding rated "probable" near national parks, slot canyons and dry washes.

Tuesday's storms brought floodwaters to Emery and Grand counties, hitting slot canyons including Little Wildhorse and Goblin Valley. Those same areas face flash flooding again Wednesday.

What Bountiful-area residents should know

The National Weather Service forecast for Bountiful shows a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms overnight Wednesday into Thursday, mainly after 3 a.m., with a low around 64 degrees and east winds of 6 to 9 mph.

Thursday's outlook calls for showers likely before 9 a.m. and a chance of thunderstorms through the afternoon, with a high near 84 degrees and a 60 percent chance of precipitation. Friday carries a 90 percent chance of showers and a possible thunderstorm, with a high near 80 degrees.

Much of Bountiful sits at the base of the Wasatch Range, with flatlands extending west toward the Great Salt Lake. That terrain increases flash flood risk during heavy rain, according to the city's flood information guide. The guide warns that just six inches of moving water can cause drivers to lose control, a foot of water will float many vehicles, and two feet of rushing water will carry away almost any car.

A cold front is expected to push into northern Utah by Friday, bringing cooler, drier air through the weekend.

Past flood response

During a heavy rain event in August 2022, Bountiful City Police posted on X that sandbags were available at the Streets Department at 950 S. 200 W. No city agencies in Bountiful, Farmington, Woods Cross or North Salt Lake had issued public statements about Wednesday's storm as of Wednesday, Sept. 16.

Residents who need flood information can visit bountifulutah.gov or contact their city's public works department.