What gives, NWS? ‘Winter Storm Watch’ in the spring

UPDATE 6:35 p.m. This “Winter Storm Watch” is now in effect from Monday morning (rather than Sunday evening) through Tuesday afternoon. An additional affected area watch has been issued for Sanpete/Sevier Valleys, West Central Utah-Southwest Utah, including the cities of Manti, Richfield, Delta, Fillmore, Beaver, Cedar City and Milford. This report is amended to include new affected area radar maps, as well as integrating the additional watch information.

SOUTHERN UTAH – The National Weather Service has issued an urgent “Winter Storm Watch” alerting expected snow and winds in the higher elevations. This watch is in effect from late tonight through Tuesday afternoon.

Dots denote affected area. Radar time 5:50 p.m. Utah, April 7, 2013 | Image courtesy of National Weather Service
Dots denote affected area 1. Radar time 5:50 p.m. Utah, April 7, 2013 | Image courtesy of National Weather Service

After an extended period of spring-like conditions, a potent storm system is expected to bring significant snowfall to the higher terrain late tonight through Tuesday. Occasional rain and snow showers will continue to develop today ahead of the storm. Precipitation will then become more widespread late tonight into Monday as the storm system strengthens over the area.

Snow levels will be high initially but will lower to encompass all mountain areas by Monday evening. Periods of heavy snow will then continue into Tuesday afternoon tapering off with the greatest amounts expected along north-facing slopes.

In addition to the heavy snow strong gusty winds are expected resulting in significant blowing and drifting of snow.

Affected area 1: The western Uinta mountains, Wasatch plateau and Book Cliffs; and the central and southern Utah mountains, including the cities of Mirror Lake Highway, Scofield, Cove Fort, Koorsharem, Fish Lake, Loa, Panguitch and Bryce Canyon.

Affected area 2: Sanpete/Sevier Valleys, West Central Utah-Southwest Utah, including the cities of Manti, Richfield, Delta, Fillmore, Beaver, Cedar City and Milford.

• Snow accumulations: Storm totals of 12-30 inches in affected area 1. Storm totals 4-8 inches in affected area 2, with higher amounts possible along the Interstate 15 corridor.

• Timing: Snow showers will develop late tonight then become more widespread on Monday. Snow heavy at times will continue through Tuesday before tapering off.

Affected area 2 denoted by dots. Radar time 5:50 p.m. Utah, April 7, 2013 | Image courtesy of National Weather Service
Affected area 2 denoted by dots. Radar time 5:50 p.m. Utah, April 7, 2013 | Image courtesy of National Weather Service

• Snow levels: Between 6,500-7,500 feet through Monday afternoon then falling below 5,000 feet by early Monday evening.

• Winds: North to northeast winds with gusts in excess of 60 mph along exposed ridgelines in affected area 1. North to northwest winds 20-30 mph in affected area 2.

• Impacts: Heavy snow and strong winds will result in winter driving conditions and reduced visibilities along high- elevation  and area roadways, including I-15 and Highway 89, Monday through Tuesday.

• Precautionary/preparedness actions: A winter storm watch means there is a potential for a mixture of significant snow, sleet, freezing rain and or strong winds.

For road conditions from the Utah Department of Transportation:

Visit UDOT’s Road Weather Alerts / Obtain UDOT’s smartphone travel app.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

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2 Comments

  • Big Don April 7, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    It is just more of that global warming we have been hearing so much about. . .

  • Dan Lester April 7, 2013 at 6:52 pm

    “the cities of Mirror Lake Highway, Scofield, Cove Fort, Koorsharem, Fish Lake, Loa, Panguitch and Bryce Canyon” The “cities”???? I know all of these are real places, but……I’ll grant them Panguitch, a real city and county seat, but……

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