Right now, a Flood Watch is in effect through 6:00 PM Monday, October 12, covering the Salt Lake Valley, Tooele and Rush Valleys, the Northern Wasatch Front, Utah Valley, and surrounding areas. This isn't a reason to panic — but it is a good reason to take a few simple steps today.
What's Causing This Storm?
This event is a little unusual for mid-October. The remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel, coupled with a low-pressure system, are expected to produce excessive rainfall and pose flood risks across Utah. Widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible across Utah from Saturday through Wednesday night, with higher totals possible in some mountain areas. To put that in context, most locations average 0.75 to 1.25 inches in the entire month of October — and we could see that in just a matter of hours.
The NWS notes that excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and recent burn scars, and that flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas — with extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers both possible.
What a Flood Watch Actually Means
Under a Flood Watch, the National Weather Service says weather conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not necessarily mean flooding will happen, but it is possible and residents should start taking precautions. Think of it as your heads-up window to act — not a reason to worry.
Before the Rain Peaks: A Quick Home Checklist
- Clear your gutters and downspouts. Leaves and early-fall debris can cause gutters to back up and push water toward your foundation — exactly what you don't want during a multi-inch rain event.
- Check your window wells. Window wells on basement egress windows can fill like bathtubs during heavy rain. Make sure covers are in place and drains aren't clogged.
- Know where your main water shut-off is. If flooding does enter your home, you may need to act quickly.
- Move valuables up off basement floors. Even a few inches of water can destroy stored belongings. Shelving and plastic bins are your friends.
- Check your sump pump. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to confirm the pump kicks on. A failed sump pump is one of the most common causes of basement flooding we see after events like this.
During the Storm
Utah soils — especially after a dry summer — can't absorb heavy rain quickly, which means runoff happens fast. Expect many area waterways including streams, rivers, normally dry washes, and creeks to have rising, fast flows. Stay off roads near drainage channels and arroyos, and avoid driving through any standing water on roadways.
If Water Enters Your Home
Stay calm. Here's what to do first:
- Stop the source if you can — close garage doors, block doorways with towels or sandbags if water is actively coming in.
- Cut power to affected areas if you can do so safely. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
- Document everything before you clean up. Take photos and video of standing water, wet walls, damaged belongings, and any visible entry points. This documentation is critical for your insurance claim (more on that in our companion post this week).
- Start extracting water as soon as it's safe. Every hour matters — the longer water sits, the deeper it penetrates into flooring, drywall, and insulation, and the higher the risk of mold developing within days.
When to Call a Professional
If you have more than a small amount of water — or if the water is anywhere near finished drywall, carpet, or wood flooring — a professional restoration team with truck-mounted extractors, moisture meters, and industrial drying equipment will get your home dry far faster and more thoroughly than consumer equipment. Fast drying is the single biggest factor in preventing secondary mold damage.
The Disaster Repair Team serves Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, and Tooele counties and is available 24/7 for emergency water damage response. If this storm leaves water in your home, don't wait to call — we're here to help you get back to normal as quickly as possible.