The persistent weather pattern continues over the state again today. Colorado will continue to sit under the ridge with light westerly flow aloft. To the east and west are two low pressure systems creating a bit of an omega block. The low pressure system over the coast of California continues to slowly usher in moisture and mid-level energy over the state creating daily rounds of precipitation. Precipitable Water<\/span> (PW<\/span>) continues to rise across the state. This morning’s sounding at Denver recorded 0.87 inches and Grand Junction was measured at 0.99 inches. Moderate mid-level drying and increasing dew points<\/span> mean more rain will reach the surface than the last couple of days, although gusty winds are still likely. There also seems to be some added mid-level energy and surface instability this afternoon, which will help intensify the coverage and strength of the storms that initiate over the higher terrains.<\/p>\n Scattered<\/span> storms over the high country are expected again today and will begin early this afternoon. The most numerous<\/span> coverage is expected to be over the Central Mountains and Front Range. Slow steering winds aloft will increase rain totals as storms slowly track east. This may present problems for fresh burn scars, and confidence is sufficient enough that storms that do form in this area will have rain rates greater than 0.5 inches. Elsewhere in the higher terrains, max 1-hr rain rates up to 1.1 inches are possible, so a Low flood threat has been issued. Threats include debris slides, mud flows and small stream and road flooding. As storms move off the higher terrains, they are expected to favor the Palmer Ridge where dew points<\/span> are forecasted to increase throughout the day. Gusty winds are likely with the stronger storms as well as max 1-hr rain rates up to 1.2 inches. Storms are also likely to drift off the higher terrain along the Urban Corridor and subsequent outflow boundaries<\/span> may continue storm development. These storms should have max 1-hr rain rates under flood threat criteria. Most storms will end around midnight with some lingering showers overnight. There is a Low flood threat today.<\/p>\n For more information on today’s flood threat, see the map below (hover over threat areas for more details). For Zone-Specific forecasts, scroll below the map.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/archive-coftb.dewberryanalytics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/wv-20170911.png\")
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Today’s Flood Threat Map<\/strong><\/h3>\n