NWS lifts flash flood warning for western Garfield County after threat passes
A flash flood warning near Highway 139 and Douglas Pass in west-central Colorado expired on schedule; NWS says flooding is no longer a threat but road closures may remain.
A flash flood warning for western Garfield County in west-central Colorado expired, with the National Weather Service office in Grand Junction confirming that flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat — but urging drivers to continue heeding any remaining road closures.
Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. Please continue to heed remaining road closures.— NWS Grand Junction
The warning had been issued earlier, triggered by Doppler radar detecting thunderstorms producing heavy rain near Highway 139 south of Douglas Pass. NWS flagged life-threatening risks to creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, and underpasses in the mainly rural zone, along with the potential for rockslides and mudslides on Highway 139.
A separate, similar warning was issued around the same time for the Lee burn scar in central Rio Blanco County. Both warnings expired on schedule, with no reports of major impacts as of the following day.
NWS asks anyone who observed flooding to report it to their local law enforcement agency. No active flash flood warnings are currently in effect for the area.
Why it matters — Drivers and residents near Highway 139 and Douglas Pass in western Garfield County should know the flood threat has passed but road closures tied to the storm may still be active.
⚠ Not yet confirmed
- No major impacts were reported from either flash flood warning as of September 20.
- exact expiration time 9:15 PM MDT on September 19
- exact issuance time 6:19 PM MDT
- rainfall amounts 0.6-0.8 inches and rates 1-3 inches per hour
- Lee burn scar warning expiration at 9:00 PM MDT
- no reports of major impacts as of September 20 according to NOAA
Reported by weather.gov, 9news.com, ready.noaa.gov
