ST. GEORGE — Another winter storm is headed to the mountains of Southern Utah, with up to 18 inches of snow expected.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the Wasatch Plateau/Book Cliffs, Central Mountains, Southern Mountains, including the cities of Scofield, Indian Canyon, Cove Fort, Fish Lake, Joes Valley, Brian Head and Alton.
The advisory is in effect from 2 p.m. Tuesday to 9 a.m. Thursday. Under this advisory, snow is expected with total snow accumulations of 12-18 inches with locally higher amounts and winds gusting as high as 40 mph.
The snow will result in travel difficulties for higher-elevation routes. Areas of blowing snow are also possible, primarily Tuesday afternoon. Use caution when traveling.
The weather service issued an extended winter weather advisory on Wednesday morning for the southern mountains, with conditions expected to continue until 4 p.m. Thursday with additional snow accumulations of up to 6 inches for the cities of Alton and Brian Head.
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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