Jackson, Wyo. – Residents of northwest Wyoming should prepare for the possibility of flooding this weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Riverton announced a flood watch that begins at 6 p.m. on Friday and runs through Sunday morning.
Areas covered by the watch
The watch includes popular destinations and critical waterways such as Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, Star Valley, the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains, the Absaroka Mountains, the Salt River, the Wyoming Range and the western slopes of the Wind River Range. These locations sit in low‑lying terrain that can quickly become inundated when rain falls heavily.
What the forecast calls for
According to the NWS, a surge of moisture moving eastward from the Pacific will sweep across the region over the weekend. This moisture will generate scattered showers and thunderstorms, some of which could produce locally heavy rainfall. When rain falls fast enough, runoff can overwhelm streams and drainage channels, creating flash‑flood conditions in flood‑prone areas.
Safety recommendations
Officials urge anyone living or traveling in the affected zones to monitor updated forecasts and heed any future advisories. If a flood warning is issued, residents should be ready to move to higher ground and avoid driving through water‑covered roads. The NWS advises not to attempt crossing water deeper than a few inches, as even shallow flow can sweep a vehicle away.
For families, keep an emergency kit handy with bottled water, non‑perishable food, flashlights, batteries and a first‑aid supply. Make sure all household members know the safest evacuation routes from your home or campsite. If you own property near a river or creek, consider moving valuables to higher levels and securing loose items that could become projectiles in fast‑moving water.
Where to get the latest information
Updates will be posted on the NWS Riverton website and through local radio stations. The Wyoming Emergency Management Agency also maintains a real‑time alert page for the state. Residents can sign up for free text alerts through the state’s emergency notification system to receive immediate warnings.
While the flood watch does not guarantee that flooding will occur, the potential for dangerous conditions is real. By staying informed and prepared, communities in northwest Wyoming can protect lives, property and the natural beauty that draws visitors from around the world.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
