ST. GEORGE — The National Weather Service have updated their winter weather warning, as of 8:05 p.m. MST.
Forecast area
Sanpete/Sevier Valleys, West-Central Utah, Southwest Utah, including the cities of Manti, Richfield, Delta, Fillmore, Beaver, Cedar City and Milford.
A winter storm warning remains in effect until 11 p.m. Monday.
Affected areas
West Central and Southwest Utah along the Sanpete and Sevier Valleys
Snow accumulations: Total accumulations of 10 to 18 inches across Southwest Utah and along the Interstate 15 corridor through west central Utah. 4 to 10 inches across the remainder of west-central Utah as well as the Sanpete and Sevier valleys.
Timing
Periods of heavy snow will continue through Monday before tapering off.
Winds
North to northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with higher gusts are expected Monday which will result in considerable blowing and drifting of snow.
Impacts
Travel will be significantly impacted along all routes through central and southern Utah through Monday. Those planning travel during this time should be prepared for hazardous winter driving conditions and plan accordingly.
Precautionary/Preparedness actions
A winter storm warning for heavy snow means that significant accumulations of snow are expected or occurring. Driving conditions may be hazardous. Use caution. Keep a winter storm survival kit in your vehicle in case of emergency.
According to the Utah Department of Transportation, strong winds are expected to develop across much of northern Utah Sunday evening into Monday morning. Areas of the West Desert and Salt Lake Valley will see northerly winds gusting 45-55 mph. The Wasatch Front will see easterly winds gusting 45-55 mph, mainly near the mouth of the canyons. Some routes will see gusts reach 55-65 mph in the West Desert, along the Wasatch Front, and around the Point of the Mountain. Due to the recent snowfall, we will also have areas of blowing and drifting snow during this time. Blowing snow can cause reduced visibility and areas of snow covered and slick roads. Drivers should use caution driving during this time. The following major routes will experience blowing snow and gusty winds through the forecast period.
Travel Conditions
UDOT has issued an emergency alert and travel alerts due to hazardous road conditions Sunday.
A winter storm will impact travel throughout Utah thru 11 a.m. Tuesday. Major impacts are expected in southern Utah between 11 a.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. Tuesday.
According to UDOT, all semi trucks are prohibited on state Route 14 due to hazardous winter road conditions. The restriction is expected to remain in place through the current winter storm over the area.
Motorists are advised to plan extra travel time and always check current conditions before every trip through the UDOT Traffic app and/or website. The UDOT Traffic app/web has current and forecast road weather information. If traveling, be sure to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, buckle up and use caution around snow plows.
Iron County
SR-143 is closed in both directions from Brian Head to Mammoth Creek.
SR-14 no semis are allowed.
According to UHP Trooper Lawrence Hopper, there have been at least 20 accidents and 60 slide-offs near Cedar City Sunday. I-15 near Cedar City is packed snow and is experiencing whiteout conditions south to Kanarraville. South of Kanarravile I-15 is very wet but has no snow. UHP is advising that motorists pull over and wait out the whiteout conditions, and to avoid travel in the area if possible.
For more information visit the NWS and UDOT websites.
Cody Blowers and Don Gilman contributed to this article.
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