Editor’s note: An update to this story can be found here.
A “major” winter storm is headed to Utah, and it will impact the state from Tuesday until Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
A winter storm warning will be in effect from 5 p.m. Tuesday until 11 p.m. Wednesday over much of the state, meteorologists advise.
Utahns should expect 6-12 inches of snow in valleys along the Wasatch Front; 2-3 feet in the northern mountains; and 1-2 feet in the central and southern mountains throughout the course of the storm.
The state’s central and southern valleys can expect 2-6 inches, and up to 8 inches in some areas. Even lower Washington County — the St. George area — will see 1-2 inches.
(National Weather Service) A major winter storm is expected to hit Utah on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The storm may arrive just in time for the Tuesday evening commute in northern Utah, and is also expected to impact the Wednesday morning commute, according to the National Weather Service. Winter driving conditions are expected, and traction laws may be in force.
It is expected to begin as rain on Tuesday, become snow, and then become heavy snow. There is a chance of more snow on Thursday and Friday in northern Utah, and a slight chance of still more on Saturday and Sunday.
As snow falls, so will temperatures. After highs in the mid-40s on Monday in the Salt Lake City area, expect temperatures in the upper 30s on Tuesday before the storm arrives, and the mid-20s on Tuesday night.
A high of 31 is expected on Wednesday with an overnight low of 18, followed by highs of 35 and 40 on Thursday and Friday with lows of 23 and 25, respectively.
In addition to the snow, it’s going to get windy in southern Utah. High wind watches and warnings will be in effect from 2 p.m. Tuesday through Wednesday morning — ending between 2 a.m. and 11 a.m., depending on the area. Expect winds of 30-45 mph and gusts up to 65 mph.
“If you live in Cedar City, St. George, Kanab and other southern Utah cities,” the National Weather Service warned on Twitter, “it may be a good idea to secure outdoor furniture, trampolines, garbage cans, decorations, etc. today so they don’t cause property damage Tuesday into Wednesday.”
In the St. George area, temperatures will fall from the low 60s before the storm arrives to the mid-40s, continuing through the weekend. And there is a slight chance of rain and snow every day through Sunday.