Flooding Possible This Weekend

A flood watch is in effect for parts of southeastern Idaho, the National Weather Service announced Friday.

Areas affected include the Caribou Highlands, Southcentral Highlands, Upper Snake Highlands, the Upper Snake River Plain and the Wasatch Range in Idaho. In central Idaho, the Wood River and Sawtooth Mountains regions will be affected.

Strongly increasing temperatures this weekend will cause snow to melt, but the frozen ground will not allow absorption by the soil.

On Sunday night, rain on top of the snow will increase the melting rate, and the rain and melted snow will drain into low lying areas.

This surface runoff could flood into homes and over roadways beginning Friday afternoon. The water will eventually drain into creeks and rivers, leading to surges in their levels.

Canals and storm drains not clear of debris could back up and cause flooding as well.

The watch is in effect until Monday evening.