ST. GEORGE — Spring already has sprung, but that doesn’t mean winter weather won’t find its way to the mountains of Southern Utah.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning, and the areas expected to feel the greatest impact include Brian Head and Pine Valley Mountain, between 11 a.m. Saturday and noon Sunday.
The weather service news release said anywhere from 8-16 inches are expected at higher elevations in Washington, Iron, Beaver, Kane and Garfield counties, with 20 or more inches possible in Brian Head and Pine Valley Mountain.
Accompanying the snowfall are winds, which could gust up to 55 mph, the weather service said. Expect winter driving conditions with patchy blowing snow and reduced visibility. As a result, the weather service suggests that travelers “keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.”
While snow is forecast for higher elevations, the lower elevations likely will see rain.
The St. George forecast calls for a 20% chance of showers after 3 a.m. Saturday with southwest winds of 8-18 mph becoming east-southeast after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. There’s a 70% chance of showers during the day with a high of 56 degrees and south-southwest winds of 9-14 mph. Sunday calls for a 40% chance of showers and a high of 53 with light winds.
Cedar City could see south winds of 17-21 and gusts up to 37 mph overnight Friday-Saturday. Temperatures will reach 47 during the day with an 80% chance of precipitation in the form of rain and/or snow. Rain showers are expected until 9 p.m. Saturday, after which there’s a 90% chance of up to one inch of snow, with 9-15 mph south winds and a low of 29. On Sunday, snow showers are likely after noon with a high of 41.
Brian Head, meanwhile, will see the bulk of the winter conditions with wind chills below zero both Friday and Saturday nights and sustained south winds nearing 30 mph and gusts over 40 mph. Snow showers could begin after midnight Friday and continue Saturday through Sunday, with up to 20 inches possible and daytime temperatures in the mid-20s. Sunday will bring a high of 23 degrees with 17-21 mph winds and another inch of snow possible.
Click here for National Weather Service forecasts.
Click here for UDOT road conditions.
