ST. GEORGE — More snow is headed for Southern Utah, with up to 28 inches possible in the mountains.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the cities of Cedar City, Beaver and Milford, and surrounding areas in effect from 5 p.m. Monday through 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The warning predicts heavy snow with accumulations of 4-8 inches with winds gusting to 35 mph. Winter driving conditions are expected for the duration of this warning.
During the first portion of the storm through Tuesday afternoon, the Cedar City area and other towns on the north slopes of the Pine Valley Mountains may see less snow than towns to the north due to shadowing in southwest flow.
A winter weather warning also has been issued for the Southern Mountains, including the Pine Valley and Tushar mountains, with total snow accumulations of 1-2 feet and up to 28 inches locally. This warning includes the cities of Brian Head and Alton as in effect from 5 a.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Wednesday.
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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