ST. GEORGE — Holiday weekend drivers may find the going tough statewide as a result of a storm system moving across Utah.
Forecast for Brian Head shows the likelihood of snow Thursday-Friday, Nov. 23-24, 2023 | Image courtesy of National Weather Service, St. George News
The Southern Mountains and the towns of Brian Head and Alton are the focal point of a National Weather Service winter weather advisory, which runs from 5 p.m. Thursday through 5 a.m. Saturday.
Snow accumulations of 5-10 inches are expected, with the Tushar Mountains and areas near Brian Head likely to see the bulk of it, according to a weather service news release. Portions of Washington, Iron, Beaver, Garfield and Kane counties are included in the weather alert
Winter driving conditions can be expected along all high-elevation roadways. Interstate 15 from Beaver northbound to the Idaho border is among the routes expected to be impacted, the Utah Department of Transportation said on its website.
The broader scope shows a weather system that will bring snow across a large portion of the state through Friday, according to UDOT. Rain and snow showers have begun over the Northern and Western parts of the state.
Rain will continue to mix in across the lower elevation routes, before quickly transitioning to snow later Thursday evening. Precipitation will continue to fill in southeastward through the late afternoon and evening, enveloping most of the Wasatch Front by dusk.
Shaded areas indicate severity of impact of winter storm moving across Utah, Nov. 23, 2023 | Image courtesy of utahtraffic.udot.gov, St. George News
Snow showers will continue to fill in across most of the state overnight Thursday-Friday. Heavier bursts of snow are likely along many mountain and canyon routes where road snow is likely Thursday night and throughout early Friday.
As temperatures drop to freezing Thursday night, light road snow will be possible along some portions of the Wasatch Front into Friday morning, particularly along bench routes. Lower Valley and I-15 between Ogden and Lehi may have a difficult time slushing up due to light snowfall rates and air temperatures barely going below freezing.
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.
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. UDOT recommends checking the UDOT website. 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.