Wind gusts over 55 mph, mountain snow up to 2 feet predicted by National Weather Service

This 2019 file photo shows and area near Interstate 15 Exit 40, Southern Utah, Feb. 5, 2019 | Photo courtesy of Rebecca Guillen, St. George News / Cedar City News

ST. GEORGE — The National Weather Service has issued both a high wind watch and a winter storm watch for portions of Southern Utah.

Current weather alerts and advisories as of 8:48 a.m., Dec. 13, 2021 | Map courtesy of National Weather Service-Salt Lake City office, St. George News | Click to enlarge

According to the National Weather Service-Salt Lake City office, the high wind watch goes into effect Tuesday morning and will last through Tuesday evening. South winds from 25-40 mph are being forecast, with guests exceeding 55 mph.

The winter storm watch will be in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning, primarily for the mountains of Southern Utah, including the city of Brian Head. The watch is predicting up to 2 feet of snow. Lower elevations will likely see rain, changing to snow in the evening. Cedar City is forecast to receive 1-3 inches of snow Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning.

Given both of these weather watches, travel could be very difficult along higher elevation routes including state Route 14 and state Route 143, and people are advised to secure loose outdoor furnishings and prepare for possible power outages.

Precautionary and preparedness actions

For the most current conditions, warnings and advisories, go to the National Weather Service-Salt Lake City office website. Additional information on driving conditions can be found at the UDOT website, as well as UDOT’s Commuterlink for current road and weather conditions, or dial 511.

Download this printable PDF: Vehicle Preparation and Safety Precautions for Winter Weather. This is a project the whole family could participate in – make it a scavenger hunt with potentially lifesaving benefits.

Getting ready

  • Be aware of road conditions. UDOT recommends checking CommuterLink for road and weather conditions before leaving home.
  • Clear any frost and snow from the car’s lights and windows. Make an effort to see and be seen while driving.
  • Inspect the vehicle’s tires, fluids, wiper blades, lights and hoses. Preventative maintenance may save a car from breaking down and stranding drivers and passengers on the highway.
  • Allow for leeway in travel time. Expect to drive slowly in adverse weather conditions. High speeds can lead to skidding off the road and getting stuck in the snow.
  • Have emergency supplies in the car. A basic winter emergency kit may include items like a flashlight, batteries, snacks, water, gloves, boots and a first-aid kit.

When driving

  • Take it slow. Drive well below posted speed limits and leave plenty of space between cars.
  • Approach intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shaded areas slowly. These areas are hot spots for black ice.
  • Slow down in cases of limited visibility and be alert.
  • Whether someone drives an elevated SUV or a ground-kissing Toyota Prius, again, UDOT says to take it slow. Just because a truck has 4-wheel drive doesn’t change how it handles on the road, especially when traction goes out the window. Mother Nature is no respecter of automotive diversity.
  • Keep the vehicle’s speed down. The faster the car goes, the longer it takes to stop. Be slow on the accelerator or risk having the car skid when the next stop sign appears.
  • Do not use the car’s cruise control while ice and snow still abound.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved.

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