Utah is bracing for a significant winter storm, a welcome change after months of dry weather and mild temperatures. This storm is set to bring a much-needed dose of winter to the state, with promises of valley snow and a fresh blanket of powder on Utah's mountains.
The Storm's Impact
As the storm unfolds, we're tracking its progress and the resulting challenges. Here's a real-time update:
- 1:05 p.m. Update: Flights at Salt Lake International Airport have resumed after a brief pause due to snowy and icy conditions. Snow removal efforts continue, and some smaller aircraft may face challenges taking off due to the winds.
- 12:30 p.m. Alert: Departing flights were grounded earlier due to snow and ice. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has now allowed flights to resume, but with a 'medium' probability of further delays.
- 12:00 p.m. Announcement: Utah State University has canceled afternoon classes at its Logan campus due to worsening road conditions. This decision impacts classes across the state originating from Logan.
- 11:15 a.m. Warning: Utah Highway Patrol reports a surge in crashes across the state, with Summit County alone experiencing 35 slide-offs and 14 non-injury crashes due to slick roads.
- 10:30 a.m. Transition: Rain showers along the Wasatch Front have turned into snow, sticking to valley floors. Ogden is experiencing snowy roads, while I-15 in Davis and Salt Lake County is dealing with slushy conditions.
Travel Challenges and Safety Alerts
- 9:45 a.m. Snow Squall Warning: The National Weather Service issues a warning for southern Utah, anticipating intense snow squalls and gusty winds. This could lead to rapidly falling visibility and difficult travel conditions on several highways, including I-15.
- 9:00 a.m. Ski Resort Celebration: Many ski resorts are rejoicing with over a foot of new snow at higher elevations. Ski Utah's snow report highlights areas like Alta, Brighton, Deer Valley, and Solitude, which received significant snowfall.
- 8:15 a.m. Slow-Moving Storm: The winter storm is moving slower than forecasted, with rain transitioning to snow in the Salt Lake valley closer to 10 a.m. rather than the expected 8 a.m. hour.
- 7:45 a.m. Whiteout Conditions: Wintry conditions cause visibility issues near Cedar City, with slide-offs reported due to slick roads.
UDOT's Preparations and Advice
- 6:55 a.m. UDOT Standby: Mark Garrison from the Utah Department of Transportation confirms crews are on standby, monitoring conditions across the state, and ready to respond.
- 6:10 a.m. Rain to Snow: Most of the Wasatch Front is quiet, but rain showers have started in Salt Lake valleys, expected to turn to snow around 8 a.m. UDOT crews are already out in the canyons and the Park City-Heber City area, where snow is covering roads.
- 6:00 a.m. Avalanche Warning: The Utah Avalanche Center upgrades the Avalanche Watch to a Warning, highlighting the elevated dangers across Utah's mountains.
- 5:10 a.m. UDOT Road Alerts: The Utah Department issues a road alert, warning drivers of wintry conditions. UDOT anticipates light to moderate road snow in the urban corridor, with heavier snow late morning to early afternoon.
- 4:50 a.m. Power Outage: Over 28,000 Rocky Mountain Power customers in southern Salt Lake County woke up without power. The power company estimates full restoration by 12:30 p.m.
- 4:45 a.m. Wintry Morning Drive: The storm's strongest impact is expected during the morning commute. Salt Lake City is forecast to see rain showers turning to snow by 8 a.m., with snow lasting throughout the day.
Stay tuned for further updates as we navigate this winter storm together! And remember, safety first during these wintry conditions.
