The National Weather Service office in Pocatello issued a Flood Watch for portions of central, eastern, south central, and southeast Idaho on October 10. The advisory remains in effect from noon today until 6:00 p.m. MDT on Monday.
Forecasters warned that excessive rainfall could trigger flooding in rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying areas prone to inundation. An upper-level low pressure system moving into the Pacific Northwest is combining with tropical moisture from Tropical Cyclone Rachel. This atmospheric setup will usher in a cooler and wetter weather pattern across eastern Idaho.
Rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are possible across the broader area during the storm event. However, localized amounts closer to 3 inches may occur in specific spots. The watch covers numerous regions, including the Sun Valley Region and Wood River Foothills in central Idaho; the Beaverhead-Lemhi Highlands, Big Hole Mountains, and Centennial Mountains in eastern Idaho; and areas such as Bear Lake Valley, the Lower Snake River Plain, and the Upper Snake River Plain in southeast Idaho.
The National Weather Service issued the alert at 12:53 a.m. MDT on October 10. Residents in the affected zones are advised to monitor updated forecasts and remain alert for potential Flood Warnings as conditions develop.