ST. GEORGE — The weather pattern that started last week is continuing, with rain coming in droves at lower elevations and heavy snow at higher elevations across Southern Utah.
As a result, the five-county region of Washington, Iron, Garfield, Beaver and Kane has been under a winter storm warning since 11 a.m. Tuesday. The alert, which was set to expire at 5 a.m. Thursday, has been extended until 5 a.m. Friday.
The National Weather Service issued the original alert Monday afternoon, calling for heavy snow specifically in the Brian Head area. Slush and ice were to blame for at least one crash on state Route 56 on Tuesday near Cedar City.
At least 30 inches of snow are possible in the Southern Mountains and specifically in the Brian Head and Alton areas, according to an NWS news release. Brian Head Ski Resort reports 14 inches in the last 24 hours. Click here to view the resort’s webcam.
Winter driving conditions along mountain routes are expected to be difficult, and the NWS reminds travelers, “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”
The weather service’s forecast for Cedar City calls for variable winds between 6 and 16 mph between Wednesday and Friday, with 1-2 inches of snow possible and temperatures in the 20s. A warming trend is predicted for the weekend..
Meanwhile, in St. George, residents can expect temperatures in the mid-30s overnight Wednesday-Thursday with rain continuing and a possible rain-snow mix. Wind will be variable and range between 5 and 15 mph, the weather service said.
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 on the UDOT website.
Additional winter travel tips are available by clicking on the following link: Vehicle Preparation and Safety Precautions for Winter Weather.
Getting ready
- Be aware of road conditions. Click here to access UDOT’s travel safety roadmap.
- 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.
Updated 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024: Adds extension of alert until 5 a.m. Friday and updated weather forecasts.
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