Rio Blanco County, CO —

What is happening:

The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Lee and P-L Gulch burn scar in south central Rio Blanco County, running through 5:00 PM Mountain time. Thunderstorms are hammering the scar with extreme rainfall rates — two to two-and-a-half inches per hour in the hardest-hit spots — and radar indicates flash flooding is already underway.

Local impacts:

This is a life-threatening situation. Where fire burned the ground bare, rain has nothing to soak into, so runoff turns into a dangerous debris flow — a rushing wall of rock, mud, vegetation, and loose material. Creeks, streams, and ditches in and below the scar can flash over with little notice, and severe debris flows are expected across roads. Roads and driveways could wash away in places.

What to do:

- Stay completely clear of the burn scar area until this warning lifts.

- If you encounter flood water, don't drive or walk through it — climb to high ground immediately.

- If you live below the scar, be ready to leave for higher ground on short notice.

- Keep clear of roads that cross drainages; bridges and culverts can fail fast in debris flows.

_Source: National Weather Service, Grand Junction CO. Issued September 25, 2026._