ST. GEORGE — A winter storm warning is in effect until Monday morning for Utah’s southern mountains with 6-12 inches of snow expected in some spots and 20 inches possible in the Tushar Mountains.
Shaded sections of map show areas expected to be impacted by the winter weather advisory that runs through 7 a.m., Nov. 20, 2023 | Image courtesy of National Weather Service, St. George News
Included in the National Weather Service alert is the five-county region including Washington, Iron, Kane, Garfield and Beaver.
Snow is expected to commence early Saturday morning followed by a break late Saturday evening before snow resumes on Sunday. Expect the heaviest snowfall rates on Sunday, the news release said.
Winter driving conditions are expected, especially across high-elevation seasonal routes that are still open, such
as state Route 148 at Cedar Breaks and state Route 153 at Mount Holly.
Brian Head Ski Resort opened Friday for the season and could see quite a bit of snow over the next few days. The weather service forecast calls for 2-4 inches possible on Saturday during the day and an additional 1-2 inches overnight. Sunday could bring difficult conditions with southwest winds 17-23 mph and 3-7 inches of snow possible. Another 1-3 inches are expected overnight Sunday. Forecasted low temperatures range from 24-31 degrees.
Chart shows weather forecast for the Brian Head area while the winter weather advisory is in effect until 7 a.m. Nov. 20, 2023 | Image courtesy of National Weather Service, St. George News
In St. George, there’s a 50 percent chance of rain Friday night and a 40% chance Saturday, with a low temperature of 46. Sunday calls for a 50% chance of rain with winds 16-21 mph and overnight lows of 38 degrees.
Meanwhile, Cedar City is likely to see rain overnight Friday-Saturday with a low temperature of 36. Rain could turn to snow on Sunday with less than 1 inch of accumulation through Monday.
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 Traffic Link 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.
Chart provides information about the winter weather advisory that is in effect through 7 a.m.Nov. 20, 2023 | Image courtesy of National Weather Service, St. George News
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.