UTAH – The National Weather Service has issued a “Winter Storm Warning” for heavy snow in west-central and southwest Utah, the Sanpete and Sevier valleys, along with Castle Country and the San Rafael Swell region. This warning is effect from 6. A.m. Tuesday to 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Affected areas – West-central and southwest Utah, the Sanpete and Sevier valleys, Castle Country, and the San Rafael Swell region, including the cities of Price, Castle Dale, Emery, Green River, Hanksville, Manti, Richfield, Delta, Fillmore, Beaver, Cedar City and Milford.
Snow accumulations – The warning anticipates 8-16 inches of new snow across the valleys of central and southwest Utah by late Wednesday afternoon.
Timing – Very heavy snow at times will develop by early Tuesday morning across central Utah and then spread southward during the day. This snow will continue Tuesday night into the day Wednesday before tapering off.
Impacts – Heavy snow is expected to result in hazardous winter driving conditions across the area Tuesday through Wednesday, including snow covered roadways and greatly reduced visibility. This includes Interstate 15 through central and southwest Utah as well as Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 89 through central Utah.
UDOT road weather alert – Utah Department of Transportation has issued a “Road Weather Alert” for the state as follows:
- Central/Southern Utah
- Road snow will impact central/southern valley and mountain routes Tuesday morning through Wednesday, including I-15 between Spanish Fork and Cedar City. Periods of heavy road snow are expected.
- Blowing snow will reduce visibility, especially on higher mountain routes.
- Northern Utah
- The Wasatch Front, including Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake, and Provo will see periods of road snow/slush beginning midnight Tuesday through Tuesday night, including during the Tuesday morning commute.
- Road snow will impact northern mountain routes from Monday night through Wednesday, especially on I-80 east of Salt Lake and points south/east.
Precautionary/preparedness actions
A winter storm warning means that significant snow accumulations are expected or are occurring. Driving conditions may be hazardous. Use extreme caution. Keep a winter storm survival kit in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
Getting stuck in the snow can have dire consequences. St. George News has prepared the following list for your convenience to print out, keep in your vehicles and get your survival kit assembled: Vehicle Preparation and Safety Precautions for Winter Weather.
For more winter road conditions from the Utah Department of Transportation:
- Visit UDOT’s Road Weather Alerts – Go to lower section of the Alert page for detailed conditions on specific roads and highways.
- Visit UDOT’s Current Road Conditions
- Obtain UDOT’s smartphone travel app.
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