Powerful gusts, strong crosswinds expected to affect weekend travel

This composite image includes a file photo of kites flying in the wind over St. George, Utah, April 2017 | Photo by Joyce Kuzmanic, St. George News/Cedar City News

ST. GEORGE — Gusts of up to 50 mph and strong crosswinds are expected to make for potentially dangerous travel conditions in portions of Southern Utah, including along Interstate 15 near Cedar City.

The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a wind advisory in effect Saturday from noon to midnight for west central and southwest Utah.

Affected area

Shaded areas denote areas subject to a wind advisory. Radar map generated at 5 p.m., June 8, 2018 | Image courtesy of the National Weather Service, St. George News/Cedar City News | Click on image to enlarge

Areas affected by the wind advisory include Washington County from the Black Ridge Exit north along Interstate 15 and other east-west routes, such as U.S. Route 6 from Delta west to the Utah-Nevada state line.

Cities affected include Manti, Richfield, Delta, Fillmore, Beaver, Cedar City and Milford.

Winds

Southerly winds of 25-35 mph with gusts of up to 50 mph will be possible in the advisory area. Winds are expected to develop around noon and continue into Saturday evening.

In parts of the advisory area, winds also will contribute to critical fire conditions Saturday. A red flag warning is in effect for the majority of Southern Utah, excluding areas surrounding Cedar City and Bryce Canyon.

Read more: Red flag fire weather warning issued for Southern Utah, Nevada

Impacts

High winds cause low visibility for drivers near Milford, Utah, March 5, 2017 | File photo courtesy of Cherish Wignall, St. George News/Cedar City News

Travel may be impacted by the wind, including significant crosswinds on east-west roadways such as U.S. Route 6. Blowing dust may also reduce visibility.

High-profile and lightweight vehicles will be most susceptible to these strong winds. Motorists in the advisory area should be prepared for sudden gusty crosswinds, making driving very difficult.

High winds can blow down power lines, blow away loose objects and raise large amounts of dust. Bring in trash cans, lawn furniture and other loose or lightweight outdoor objects.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2018, all rights reserved.

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