Flash Flood Watch Eases as Heat Builds Across Southern Colorado

Overview

• The Aspen Acres burn scar was placed under a Flash Flood Watch Friday because repeated afternoon thunderstorms could produce heavy downpours, debris flows, and rapid creek flooding in the fire zone.
• Forecasters warned storms could bring frequent lightning, hail up to about 1 inch, and gusty outflow winds that reached roughly 50–60 mph in stronger cells.
• Localized severe impacts already occurred in northeastern El Paso County, where storms produced hail up to half-dollar size, 1–3 inches of rain, and a flash flood warning for flooding of streets and low-lying areas.
• Storms tapered off toward sunset and models now show a drying northwest flow for the weekend, but heat advisories have been issued for parts of eastern Fremont County, Pueblo County, and El Paso County as temperatures rebound.
• The burn scar is especially vulnerable to fast runoff and debris flows because lost vegetation and altered soils reduce water absorption, so even isolated heavy downpours over the next few days could cause dangerous, sudden flooding that threatens roads and nearby communities.