ST. GEORGE —Overnight rain, freezing temperatures and snowy conditions led to icy roads across Washington County on Tuesday morning, resulting in multiple crashes.
“There are vehicles slid off. There are commercial vehicles that are stalled. There are plows trying to move, so there’s a lot going on,” Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Shawn Judd told St. George News on Tuesday morning.
With early morning temperatures of 30 degrees and 88% humidity, drivers were slipping and sliding in the fog as law enforcement personnel rushed to assist. Judd said starting around 4 a.m., multiple crashes were reported from mile post 26 to mile post 32. Signs were posted stating chains were required for all semis and UDOT snow plows were seen clearing the roadways. Multiple crashes were also seen near the Arizona state line, especially on onramps due to ice forming on the bridge structures.
“With semis trying to travel in that area with inclines and regular road tires, they’re just not going to be able to make it,” Judd said. “When you have a commercial vehicle and icy roads, it’s very difficult to try to move under those conditions without having chains on.”
From jackknifed semis to stalled vehicles, Judd said to avoid travel. If travel is required, make sure everyone in the vehicle has proper seatbelt restraints. And due to weather, traffic and crashes, expect commutes to take at least twice as long as usual.
In a Facebook live, St. George Police Officer Tiffany Mitchell showed black ice at Exit 2 and cars slid off northbound I-15 due to icy conditions. She warned that as air comes underneath overpasses, it creates treacherous ice. While there is a law in all 50 states that require vehicles to move over for emergency vehicles, she said 85% of the vehicles that drove past did not move over.
“Now, let’s take into account: it’s icy, right? It’s stormy, and even if the roads are just wet, minimum, you have more of a reason that you could slide off that road,” she said. “Then you add the colder temperatures and you have more likelihood. Just remember: you need to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and that includes tow truck drivers, too.”
Mitchell said for the next few days, many roads may not see the sun, keeping them wet and icy. She cautioned drivers to be careful, especially on onramps and overpasses.
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