Flood Watch Issued for Portions of Six Wyoming Counties; Thunderstorms Expected
A flood watch has been issued for much of Fremont and Sublette Counties, as well as portions of Lincoln, Sweetwater, Hot Springs and Park Counties.
Meanwhile, a flash-flood warning has been issued in mostly rural areas of north-central Laramie County, particularly along Bear Creek, until 7 p.m. Thursday. Up to three inches of rain had already fallen in the area as of 4 p.m.
The National Weather Service's Riverton Office says from 6 a.m. Friday through 6 a.m. Monday, warm afternoon temperatures in the mountains will accelerate snowmelt runoff.
Sharp rises in creek and river levels are expected from Friday morning through Sunday evening. Low-lying areas on smaller creeks and streams are expected to flood by Friday.
Minor flooding is predicted along main stem rivers including the Green, Little Wind, Big Wind and Shoshone by Saturday and Sunday.
At Riverton, the Big Wind River is expected to rise between minor and moderate flood stage by late Sunday night.
The Little Wind River near Riverton is predicted to rise to near minor flood stage by late Sunday night.
At LaBarge, the Green River will likely reach the flood stage of 9 feet by late Sunday night, while the watch calls for the South Fork of the Shoshone River to approach the flood stage of 9 feet by early Sunday morning.
The National Weather Service advises that people living in flood-prone areas prepare to take action, should flooding develop.
Meanwhile, isolated to scattered thunderstorms are predicted across western and central Wyoming for Thursday afternoon and evening. Small hail could make an appearance, and wind gusts of 35-50 mph are possible.
People are asked to move inside of threatening weather approaches.
Rapid mountain snowmelt could result in flooding along creeks, streams and rivers. Potential for such flooding is expected to persist through Wednesday.