New Flash Floods In Montana Are Possible This Week

With heavy rain storms expected at times in Montana through Wednesday, some Flash Flood Watches have been issued for the Bozeman and Helena areas. 

Quite a bit of rain is headed to the Bozeman and Helena area if the forecasts are right. Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday, nearly 1.5 inches of rain is possible for some spots. Creeks and streams can be overwhelmed quickly if that much rain does fall.

• FLASH FLOOD WATCHES ARE IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
• WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
• WHERE...The Horse Gulch Burn Scar and immediate surrounding areas
• WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon.
• IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding, and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS... National Weather Service Meteorologists are forecasting heavy rainfall over the burn scar, which may lead to flash flooding and debris flows.
• PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.

What exactly is a "Flash Flood"? According to the National Weather Service, the exact definition is as follows:

"Flooding that begins within 6 hours, and often within 3 hours, of the heavy rainfall (or other cause). Flash Floods can be caused by a number of things, but is most often due to extremely heavy rainfall from thunderstorms. Flash Floods can occur due to Dam or Levee Breaks, and/or Mudslides (Debris Flow)."

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Tuesday afternoon, thunderstorms and rain showers are expected. Strong wind and small hail are possible with Tuesday's storms. Wednesday has 100% chance of rain with more than an inch possible in some areas.