A strong snowstorm is expected to hit the southern mountains of Utah, possibly dumping up to 20 inches of snow by Friday night. This rare late-season storm could cause big problems for drivers, especially on mountain roads and highways. People in these areas should be ready for delays, slick roads, and reduced visibility.
Where and When the Snow Will Fall
The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a Winter Storm Watch starting Thursday morning and lasting through Friday evening. Areas like Brian Head, Alton, Boulder Mountain, and the Tushar range are all expected to get heavy snowfall.
Most places could see 6 to 12 inches of snow, while some mountain peaks might get as much as 20 inches. These high levels of snow could cause trouble for anyone travelling on mountain roads during this time.
Travel Warnings for Mountain Roads
Highways such as Highway 143, State Route 12, and other mountain routes could become slippery and dangerous. Drivers should be extra cautious as snow can make roads hard to see and drive on. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has advised everyone to avoid non-essential travel during the storm.
If you have to travel, it’s best to check the latest updates on road conditions through udottraffic.utah.gov. Road crews will likely be working hard, but travel may still be risky.
Power and Service Disruptions Possible
People living in high-altitude communities should prepare for power cuts and limited services. With heavy, wet snow likely to pile up, trees and power lines might come down, causing outages. It’s a good idea to have emergency supplies, food, and water ready, just in case.
This could be one of the strongest late-season snowstorms southern Utah has seen in recent years, so staying prepared and informed is important.
Storm Watch Could Turn Into a Warning
As the storm moves closer, weather experts might change the Winter Storm Watch to a warning, especially if snow totals become more certain. Updated forecasts may also bring new alerts depending on the storm’s path and strength. It’s a good idea to stay tuned to local weather updates for the latest information.