Storm a prelude to wet weekend
An afternoon rain blast Friday closed Interstate 70, knocked down power lines and caused smaller flooding around the Grand Valley, and the area is likely to see more rain this weekend.
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction reported receiving 0.33 inches of rain, as measured at Grand Junction Regional Airport, between 2:15 p.m. and 3:13 p.m. Friday.
The record for Aug. 23 was set in 1978, when 0.48 inches were recorded, the agency said.
As of 5 p.m. Friday, 0.43 inches were reported around 29 and Patterson roads. Clifton reported 0.58 inches.
Interstate 70 east of De Beque closed for a period of time Friday afternoon due to heavy flooding from mile markers 69 to 72, while high waters also caused problems on U.S. Highway 6.
The storms were a possible prelude to a wet weekend.
The Weather Service reported a 30 percent change of rain in the Grand Valley this afternoon. A 40 percent chance of rain was reported for Sunday, with chances increasing into the afternoon.