LARIMER COUNTY, Colo. — The National Weather Service (NWS) issued Flash Flood Warnings for the Alexander Mountain Fire and Stone Canyon Fire burn scars on Wednesday.
The Alexander Mountain Fire burn scar warning was extended until 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
The Stone Canyon Fire burn scar warning was through 6:30 p.m on Wednesday.
"A strong thunderstorm just developed right over the Stone Canyon burn area! The heavy rain will lead to flash flooding. Move to higher ground or get out of the area immediately!" the NWS said on Twitter.
The Alexander Mountain Fire alert indicated that between 0.1 and 0.2 inches of rain had already fallen and that additional rainfall was possible in the warned area. The warning means that flooding is already happening or is expected to begin shortly.
Excessive rainfall over the burn scar will result in debris flow moving through the Alexander Mountain Fire burn area. The debris flow can consist of rock, mud, vegetation, and other loose materials, the NWS said.
Some locations that could experience flash flooding include Cedar Cove and Highway 34 through the lower portions of Big Thompson Canyon. It has the potential to be life-threatening.
Heavy rainfall is likely to cause flash flooding of creeks, streams and ditches in the Alexander Mountain Burn Scar. Debris flows can also be anticipated across roads. Roads and driveways could get washed away. People in the area should be prepared to move to higher ground if necessary.
The fire west of Loveland has scorched more than 9,600 acres and is 83% contained as of Wednesday afternoon.