Winter storm warning issued for significant portion of Utah, travel difficulties expected

SALT LAKE CITY — A winter storm warning is in effect from Tuesday evening through 11 a.m. Wednesday that is predicted to make travel difficult in much of Utah.

The warning comes from the Salt Lake City office of the National Weather Service that recommends people plan for travel difficulties and dangers. It said between 2 and 5 inches of snow can accumulate on valley floors and 4 to 8 inches can accumulate on benches and could be higher, especially along the east bench of Salt Lake County.

“Updated winter storm warnings and winter weather advisories are up: Warning starts for the mountains at 5 p.m. and valleys along the Wasatch Front — with the addition of Tooele and Cache — are included after 8 p.m. tonight (Tuesday)” the NWS said. “This will make the Wednesday morning commute along the Wasatch Front, Cache Valley and I-15 corridor from Nephi to Beaver difficult.”

The warning is in effect through 11 a.m. Wednesday.

The warning is for Tooele and Rush vallies, eastern Box Elder County, the northern Wasatch Front, Salt Lake Valley, Utah Valley, Cache Valley as well as eastern Juab and Millard counties.

“Rain will rapidly change to snow this evening. Snow, heavy at times, is expected in a band near the front,” NWS said. “After a brief break, expect snow to fill back in and continue into the morning hours. This will make the Wednesday morning commute along the Wasatch Front, Cache Valley and I-15 corridor from Nephi to Beaver difficult.”

The NWS said if people must travel they should keep an extra flashlight, food and water in their vehicles in case of emergencies.

Updated Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are up: Warning starts for the mountains at 5PM and valleys along the Wasatch Front (with the addition of Tooele and Cache) are included after 8PM tonight. Advisory for all other shaded valleys after 8PM. #utwx pic.twitter.com/OBaVR6S98W

— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) December 14, 2021

Cities that are included in the warning:

• Tooele
• Grantsville
• Vernon
• Brigham City
• Snowville
• Ogden
• Bountiful
• Salt Lake City
• West Jordan
• Sandy
• Lehi
• Provo
• Payson
• Logan
• Smithfield
• Nephi
• Scipio
• Fillmore

For graphical depictions of the snowfall forecast, including
Official NWS Forecast, High End Amount, and Low End Amount, visit
weather.gov/slc/winter.

For winter road conditions from the Utah Department of
Transportation, visit http://www.udottraffic.utah.gov/roadweatherforecast.aspx or dial
511.