ST. GEORGE — The National Weather Service has issued a series of winter-related storm warnings for multiple counties across southwest Utah.
Winter storms are projected to cross through higher elevations in parts of Washington, Iron, Kane, Garfield and Beaver counties, which has triggered an NWS winter storm warning on Monday that remains in effect until 9 p.m. and predicts heavy snows with additional snow accumulations of up to 4 inches.
A second warning that goes in effect at 6 a.m. Tuesday and runs to 6 a.m. Thursday repeats the prediction of heavy snow with accumulations of 15-30 inches, and includes the areas of Brian Head and the Tushar Mountains. Wind gusts of up to 55 mph are expected Tuesday night and Wednesday.
Bryce Canyon and the surrounding area are also included in the storm warning, with it expecting to bring up to 8-16 inches of snow and 50 mph wind gusts. In areas above 6,000 feet, the storms are anticipated to drop 6-12 inches of snow with wind gusts up to 60 mph.
Zion National Park, Springdale, Kanab and Escalante are also listed among the areas to be impacted by winter weather over the next few days.
The NWS further warns that travel will range from very difficult to impossible during this time with patchy blowing snow greatly reducing visibility. Strong winds may also bring down tree branches.
If you have to travel, the NWS advises motorists to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicles in case of an emergency.
The Utah Department of Transportation also officers the following preparation and tips for winter driving:
- Be aware of road conditions. UDOT recommends checking CommuterLink or download the UDOT 511 app 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 driver 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, UDOT also recommends to:
- 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 hotspots for black ice.
- Slow down in cases of limited visibility and be alert.
- 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 turn into a skidding bob-sled when the next stop sign appears.
- Autopilot is not recommended. Do not put the car into cruise control while ice and snow still abound.
As snow continues to fall in the mountains, worries over flash flooding as the snowpack melts also persist. The public is asked to remain mindful of this possibility and be mindful of warnings regarding potential flooding events.
As of Monday afternoon, the snowpack in southwest Utah in the highest in the state at 253% above normal. As previously reported by St. George News, such high levels worry local officials as current conditions mirror those had prior to the flooding of 2005.
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.