ST. GEORGE — The Southern Utah mountains may soon be dressed in white.
Early Friday morning, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm to be in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, to 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, for the central and southern mountains of Utah and includes Cove Fort, Fish Lake, Joes Valley, Brian Head and Alton.
The weather service forecasts heavy snow with total snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches, locally higher.
Heavy snow will result in winter driving conditions, especially for seasonal routes and mountain passes. Backcountry access will become treacherous and should be taken into consideration for hikers, hunters and other recreators. Be prepared for traction restrictions.
High wind warning
The weather service also has issued a high-wind warning for portions of Southern Utah in effect 6 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, Oct. 22, and includes the cities of Beaver, Cedar City and Milford.
Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected. Winds will be the strongest Saturday morning across Cedar City to Black Rock Canyon and spread through the remainder of southwestern Utah through late morning into early afternoon.
Also included in a subsequent wind advisory are the cities of Nephi, Scipio, Fillmore, Richfield,
Salina, Green River, Goblin Valley, Panguitch, Circleville, Koosharem, Bryce Canyon City, Loa, Torrey, Hanksville, Big Water and Bullfrog
High winds may move loose debris, damage property and cause power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.
People are urged to secure loose objects that could be blown around or damaged by the wind including Halloween decorations.
Precautionary and preparedness actions
For the most current conditions, warnings and advisories, go to the National Weather Service-Salt Lake City office website. Additional information on driving conditions can be found at the UDOT website, as well as UDOT’s Commuterlink for current road and weather conditions, or dial 511.
Download this printable PDF: Vehicle Preparation and Safety Precautions for Winter Weather. This is a project the whole family could participate in – make it a scavenger hunt with potentially lifesaving benefits.
Getting ready
- Be aware of road conditions. UDOT recommends checking CommuterLink 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 drivers 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
- 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 hot spots for black ice.
- Slow down in cases of limited visibility and be alert.
- Whether someone drives an elevated SUV or a ground-kissing Toyota Prius, again, UDOT says to take it slow. Just because a truck has 4-wheel drive doesn’t change how it handles on the road, especially when traction goes out the window. Mother Nature is no respecter of automotive diversity.
- 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 skid when the next stop sign appears.
- Do not use the car’s cruise control while ice and snow still abound.
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