Joshua Tree national Park and Death Valley National Park Prepare for Flash Flood Dangers from Tropical Storm Hilary with Closures
Joshua Tree National Park , Ca – August 19, 2023 – Due to Tropical Storm Hilary, Joshua Tree National Park today Closed the entire park until Monday August 21st and Death Valley National Park started closing some of its services, campground and high risk flash flood zones in preparation of the approaching’s storms.
At Joshua Tree National Park today the park is expected to receive sever rainfall and flash flooding. A Flash Flood Watch has been issued for Joshua Tree National Park Starting August 19th at 11 am until August 21st at 5 pm. Park management is monitoring the current condition of the storm closely. For employee and visitor safety, park management is initiating a closure of the park over the next 36 hours.
Park staff will continue to monitor the park and assess conditions as needed. Visitors are encouraged to seek shelter and have a safety plan.
The southeast California region could experience heavy rainfall and potential heavy flooding. Reconsider outdoor activities for this weekend, be prepared to turn around if you experience moving water on roadways and be alert for lightning.
For more information about current road conditions in Joshua Tree, please visit our Current Conditions page.
In Death Valley – Flash floods are predicted for Saturday 8/19 through Friday 8/25. Do not drive through active flooding. This storm may cause prolonged road closures, power outages, and phone service interruption. Visitor Centers and campgrounds will close through 8/22 –
Death Valley National Park will partially close in anticipation of heavy rains and flooding from Hurricane Hilary. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch from Saturday, August 19 at 11:00 am and until Tuesday, August 22 at 5:00 am.
Campgrounds, Furnace Creek Visitor Center, North Highway, and Badwater Road will close starting Saturday.
Death Valley which was hit hard in the March Storms is still recovering in several sections of the park from the flash flood damage. this potential rain event could severely impact the park for years, if estimates and predictions of Hilary play out correct.
National Weather Service Alert:
Flood Watch issued August 19 at 10:51AM PDT until August 22 at 5:00AM PDT by NWS Las Vegas NV
* WHAT…Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible, with Inyo County expecting to receive rainfall amounts this weekend that are comparable to or exceeding average annual totals.
* WHERE…A portion of southeast California, including the following areas, Death Valley National Park, Eastern Sierra Slopes, Owens Valley and White Mountains of Inyo County.
* WHEN…Through late Monday night.
* IMPACTS…Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. Outdoor recreation will be very dangerous this weekend across Inyo County and is strongly ill-advised in Death Valley National Park.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS… – http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued. Outdoor recreation is strongly discouraged this weekend.
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Posted By: NWS Las Vegas NV
Severity: Severe
Area: Eastern Sierra Slopes of Inyo County; Owens Valley; White Mountains of Inyo County; Death Valley National Park
Effective: 8/19/2023, 10:51:00 AM
Ends: 8/22/2023, 5:00:00 AM