(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — Strong storms pounded the Pikes Peak Region Monday evening with heavy rain and hail. More heavy rain is expected today. Saturated soils from last night help to create a risk of flash flooding on Tuesday. Let’s examine.

Radar is a useful tool in real-time analysis of how much rain is falling as it aggregates the rain rate over time to produce a rain accumulation product. Below is the 24 hour precipitation accumulation product at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning. It shows the areas of the Pikes Peak Region and Fremont County that saw heavy rain on Monday.

As great as radar is in real time, nothing beats ground truth. Many of your neighbors are members of the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow network and are trained to accurately report snow and are equipped with high-quality CoCoRaHS rain gauges. Each morning at approximately 7 a.m. these weather observers submit their reports for the previous 24 hours. We make this available on our Rain and Snow Totals page.

These same areas are under a heavy rain threat once storms develop Tuesday, but the greatest risk of significant rain is in the Pikes Peak Region compared to the Highway 50 corridor.

Because of the saturated soils from last night and the risk of additional significant rain the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for El Paso and Teller Counties from noon through 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Flash Flood Safety Tips

During periods of heavy rains, stay away from flood-prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches, and culverts.

Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area.

If you live or work in flood-prone areas, remain alert during periods of heavy rain.

Be especially cautious at night as it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

Never drive your car into water of unknown depth. Most flash flood deaths occur when people drive their vehicles into flood waters. Remember: Turn Around Don’t Drown!!

If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Flood water may rise quickly, cover the vehicle and sweep it away.

Stay out of flooded areas. The water may still be rising and very swift. A rapidly flowing stream can sweep you off your feet and sweep your vehicle downstream.

Children are especially vulnerable and should not be allowed to play in or around flowing water.

Water can run off streets and parking lots rapidly, causing natural and man-made drainage systems to overflow with flood waters.

Flood waters can hide rocks, trees, trash, and other debris that can be dangerous to someone in their path.

Water is a very powerful force and should NEVER be underestimated.