ST. GEORGE — A snowstorm is expected to make for difficult driving conditions on mountainous roads throughout Southern Utah starting Monday night.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory in effect from 11 p.m. Monday to as late as 3 p.m. MST Wednesday.
Affected areas
According to the Utah Department of Transportation, a storm system will move into the state from the southwest and push northward, bringing snow to mountains and valleys in the southern half of the state.
In Southern Utah, the weather advisory is in effect for portions of Beaver, Iron, Washington, Garfield and Kane counties.
Communities expected to be most affected by the storm include Panguitch, Bryce Canyon, Loa, Kanab and Escalante.
Impact
Between 2-12 inches of snow are expected to fall in affected areas. The National Weather service advises drivers to plan on slippery and snow-packed road conditions across all routes in and near the mountains.
Road snow and slush are possible along stretches of Interstate 15 from Scipio Summit south through Cedar City. Snowfall is also forecast to be heavy on U.S. Route 89 from Richfield through Kanab to the Arizona border.
All Utah routes affected
- Interstate 15 – Scipio Summit through Cedar City.
- Interstate 80 – Parleys Canyon to the Wyoming border.
- Interstate 70 – Entire route; mainly over Clear Creek and Salina summits.
- U.S. Route 40 – Entire route.
- U.S. Route 89 – South of Richfield to the Arizona border.
- U.S. Route 191 – Wyoming to Blanding; Mainly Monticello through Blanding.
- U.S. Route 6 – Nevada border to Skull Rock; U.S. 89 Junction to Green River.
- State Route 143 – Entire route.
- State Route 14 – Entire route.
- State Route 20 – Entire route.
- State Route 153 – Entire route.
- State Route 30 – Entire route.
- State Route 10 – Entire route.
- State Route 190 – Entire route.
- State Route 210 – Entire route.
Precautions
The National Weather Service advises drivers to plan on low visibility and slippery and snow-packed road conditions across all high-elevation roadways.
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.
Additional information on winter driving can be found at the UDOT website, as well as UDOT’s Commuterlink for current road and weather conditions, or dial 511.
Weather watches, warnings and advisories issued by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Salt Lake City can be found here.
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