UPDATE7:30 p.m.  This storm watch has been uprgaded to a winter weather advisory for snow.  See the advisory with new radar map here:  Weather watch upgraded: Advisory for weekend snow, travel cautions

SOUTHERN UTAH – The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City has issued a winter storm watch in effect from Friday morning through Sunday morning.

The storm watch arises from a storm system along the Pacific Northwest coast this morning which will strengthen as it moves southeast into the western Great Basin early tomorrow. The storm will track slowly east across Southern Utah Friday night through Saturday producing widespread heavy snow over the higher terrain through the coming weekend.

* Affected area: The southern and central mountains of Utah, including the cities of Cove Fort, Koorsharem, Fish Lake, Loa, Panguitch and Bryce Canyon.

* Snow accumulations: Accumulations of 10 to 20 inches.

* Snow levels: Initial snow levels Friday morning will be near 8,000 feet. Snow levels will drop quickly starting late Friday afternoon.

* Timing: Light snow will develop across the southern mountains beginning early Friday morning. This light snow will spread north into the central mountains during the morning hours. Snow will turn heavy during the afternoon and remain heavy at times into Saturday morning. Snow will taper off Saturday afternoon followed by additional heavy snows along mainly the west slopes Saturday night through early Sunday.

* Winds: Gusty southwest winds ahead of this storm will turn to the west and decrease as snowfall intensities pick up Friday night.

* Impacts: High elevation roadways will become snow-packed in most areas by Friday evening. The major transportation corridors such as Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 89 will see hazardous travel conditions Friday night and during periods of heavy snow over the weekend.

Precautionary/preparedness actions

A winter storm watch means there is a potential for a mixture of any of the following: significant snow, sleet, freezing rain and strong winds.

For winter road conditions from the Utah Department of Transportation:

Visit UDOT’s Road Weather Alerts.

Obtain UDOT’s smartphone travel app.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews