LIVE UPDATES: Snow Continues In Some Areas Into Afternoon
Feb 6, 2019, 6:25 AM | Updated: 5:22 pm
Vehicles were facing issues with slippery roads in northern Utah on Wednesday.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Overnight storms heavily impacted morning commutes and resulted in school closures Wednesday.
This article will be updated with the newest information at the top. Refresh the page to get the latest news.
5:18 p.m.
KSL Traffic Anchor Haley Smith was in studio updating everyone on the afternoon drive conditions. She said traffic is picking up on SB I-15. Stay with KSL and tune in to channel 5 for updates now.
We are already seeing drastic increases to our I-15 SB drive from SLC to Provo! Join us for the details! https://t.co/ICzer784DM
— HALEY SMITH (@haleysmithKSL) February 7, 2019
5:04 p.m.
KSL Chief Meteorologist Kevin Eubank said the storm is not over. He’s back in the white “snow coat” and warned of lake effect snow. Stay with KSL TV for 5p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts for the latest.
ANOTHER SNOW COAT ALERT!! See you at 5, 6 & 10 @KSL5TV @kslweather #KSLweather pic.twitter.com/exbJTNwQNF
— Dave McCann (@DaveMcCannKSL) February 7, 2019
4:33 p.m.
Riverton City officials said snowplow drivers in their city have traveled over one-thousand miles. They noted that crews are still working to clear high traffic areas and neighborhoods.
Here's the latest snow removal update. Snowplow drivers have traveled over 1,200 miles clearing snow from this storm so far.
Main roadways and high traffic areas are still a priority, as a matter of public safety, but crews are getting through neighborhoods as fast as possible. pic.twitter.com/40C3lKh2Af
— Riverton City, Utah (@RivertonCity) February 6, 2019
4:32 p.m.
KSL Chief Meteorologist Kevin Eubank did a Facebook live interview with KSL Anchor Mike Headrick ahead of our evening newscasts. Join us at 5 and 6 for the latest forecasts and road conditions.
Chief Meteorologist Kevin Eubank KSL has the latest on lake effect and snow totals.
Posted by KSL 5 TV on Wednesday, February 6, 2019
4:21 p.m.
KSL TV has crews monitoring conditions around the region. Here’s what our reporters are working on this afternoon:
Caitlin Burchill will reporting live at 5 and 6 in Salt Lake City along I-15.
Alex Cabrero is in the south end of the Salt Lake Valley along Mountain View Corridor where our KSL Meteorologists expect to see some lake effect snow.
Jed Boal talked to some snowboarders up the canyons and will be live in our evening newscasts from Parley’s Canyon. Tune in at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. for the latest updates.
Did you get your powder fix today? These snowboarders did, on slopes that are normally unskiable! I’ll show you where they hiked for their turns above #SaltLakeCity in live team storm coverage at five and six. @KSL5TV #KSLweather #Ksltv #utwx @kslnewsradio pic.twitter.com/htNVc5vFlJ
— Jed Boal (@jedboal) February 6, 2019
3:36 p.m.
State traffic officials said the storm may not be over. A UDOT twitter account warned about the potential of lake effect snow to disrupt the evening commute.
Weather Alert: Lake effect snow showers are moving into the Salt Lake Valley and will create slick conditions for the evening commute. More info here: https://t.co/gD7Yep0viu #utwx #utsnow @UtahTrucking @TravelWiseUtah pic.twitter.com/GH320R0y8n
— UDOT Traffic (@UDOTTRAFFIC) February 6, 2019
3:27 p.m.
West Jordan City has warned people via social media to prepare for the afternoon commute. They said it is still snowing and people in the area should allow extra drive time and even think about changing their evening plans.
Snowing and sticking as of 3:25 PM. Plan for extra time to get where you need this afternoon/evening or consider changing plans. #westjordan pic.twitter.com/dTdxvrvucH
— City of West Jordan (@CityWestJordan) February 6, 2019
2:16 p.m.
The Utah Highway Patrol said they have responded to 410 crashes since this storm began Tuesday, with 211 of them happening since midnight Wednesday. The UHP Twitter account shared a photo of a crash that shut down southbound I-15 Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Since the storm started yesterday, Troopers have responded to 410 crashes statewide. 211 of those were as of midnight today, including this 11 car pile-up on SB I-15 near the Davis & Salt Lake Co. border. This crash shut SB I-15 down from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. pic.twitter.com/TI0xag1JPz
— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) February 6, 2019
1:54 p.m.
UDOT Public Information Officer John Gleason said avalanche slide paths that haven’t been active in years were running Wednesday.
The department was conducting avalanche control in Little Cottonwood Canyon, which forced road closures. Gleason said UDOT expected to have the canyons open again between 4 – 4:30 p.m.
Avalanche slide paths that haven’t been active in years are running today.
— John Gleason (@johnegleason) February 6, 2019
1:32 p.m.
Unified Fire Authority reminded residents digging out after the storm to pay attention to the area around fire hydrants. They said clearing snow from around hydrants can help firefighters access water quickly in an emergency.
Many times during the snow removal process, fire hydrants become fully covered, limiting the visibility from the street. Please do your part in digging out your hydrant allowing your fire department proper access to a water supply during an emergency. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/uYeMz0BnRf
— Unified Fire (@FireAuthority) February 6, 2019
1:08 p.m.
UDOT snow plows continued working into the afternoon. John Gleason, spokesman for UDOT, shared this photo via tweet.
Here’s a pic of our Parley’s Canyon crew clearing snow on the I-80 on-ramp at exit 131. #utwx @UDOTRegionTwo pic.twitter.com/nIOjkLbJlA
— John Gleason (@johnegleason) February 6, 2019
12:16 p.m.
Salt Lake City officials held a press conference at noon. City fire officials advised against travel if possible.
SLCFD Fire Chief Karl Lieb: All @slcfire stations and crews are up and running in this storm. “Please do not underestimate this storm and avoid unnecessary travel” #slcsnow pic.twitter.com/piJKtBb08h
— Salt Lake City Fire Department (@slcfire) February 6, 2019
10:48 a.m.
All uphill traffic up Big Cottonwood Canyon is closed, and Little Cottonwood Canyon remains closed.
Despite severe weather, Rocky Mountain Power noted only 341 customers were without power Wednesday morning.
Big Cottonwood Canyon is closed to all uphill traffic, and Little Cottonwood Canyon remains closed. Follow @canyonalerts to stay up-to-date. Stay safe! #utwx https://t.co/o1gRmjKcCL
— Utah DOT (@UtahDOT) February 6, 2019
9:46 a.m.
The Utah Highway Patrol at 9:30 a.m. reported that troopers had investigated 313 crashes statewide since the storm began Tuesday. One-hundred-fifteen of those happened Wednesday morning.
Authorities reminded drivers to move off the road if they’re in a fender-bender – and to slow down and move over when troopers are on the side of the road.
As of 0930 today, Troopers have investigated 313 crashes statewide since the storm hit yesterday. 115 crashes so far today. Checkout https://t.co/fDKKiBL1e0 for tips on how to better drive in this weather. Remember: if you're in a #fenderbendermoveoff and #slowdownmoveover for us pic.twitter.com/aR4AzhNnT8
— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) February 6, 2019
9:17 a.m.
UTA reported that TRAX Red and Blue line trains were experience delays of about 10-25 minutes. The Green Line was running on time.
TRAX Update: Red Line and Blue Line trains are continuing to experience delays of about 10-25 minutes. Green Line is running on schedule.
— UTA (@RideUTA) February 6, 2019
8:49 a.m.
Orem City was added to the list of cities that will not be picking up trash and recycling today. You can see a full list of school, office, business and city services closures here.
8:38 a.m.
Drive speeds on I-15 are starting to pick up just a little, according to KSL TV’s Haley Smith. Although things are speeding up, Smith recommended drivers stay at or below 30 miles per hour to avoid issues.
Even though vehicles are able to travel a little quicker, commute times are still being heavily impacted. Drive times have been doubled and even tripled what they might usually be at this time in the morning. Commuters should expect to arrive late if they don’t give themselves extra time.
8:17 a.m.
UPD Canyon Alerts reported that Little Cottonwood Canyon will be closed due to extreme weather and high avalanche dangers.
Feb06 Little Cottonwood 7:00am UNKNOWN when Little Cottonwood Cyn will open!EXTREME Weather, high avalanche danger #utsnow
— UPD Canyon Alerts (@CanyonAlerts) February 6, 2019
Due to treacherous conditions, many businesses and offices announced reduced hours or closures. Most non-essential Salt Lake County offices were closed, and government employees were asked to check with their departments to see if they need to be at work today or not. The Tooele County Government offices will open at noon.
West Valley Fitness Center announced morning and afternoon classes as well as the preschool are canceled, although the building is opened.
The Salt Lake County Library announced it will be closed all day.
Trash and recycling pickup was also canceled in many areas including Herriman, West Valley City, Cottonwood Heights, White City, Southeast Unincorporated Islands and, Sandy Annexed Islands.
Liquor stores also delayed opening Wednesday, with an official saying the stores wouldn’t open until noon.
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum will be closed all day, and Hogle Zoo will open at noon.
7:41 a.m.
UDOT spokesman John Gleason said there are several closures across the Wasatch Front, including Bangerter Highway southbound from 4700 South to 5400 South and 7800 South to 9000 South is closed, all due to the drifting snow.
“If you have any flexibility, if you can call in a favor, today’s the day to do that,” he said. “We just want to keep everybody out of harm’s way. The plow drivers are out there doing everything they can to make our roads safe, but if you don’t have to be out there, there’s no sense in pushing it.”
Gleason also said drivers should stay 200 feet behind snow plows, and never pass the plows when they are moving snow.
Here is a current view of our snow fighters across the state. You can bet they have been out in force working to keep our roads safe since the early morning, and will continue until the job is done. Stay safe out there. #utwx pic.twitter.com/LC8Neb2gey
— Utah DOT (@UtahDOT) February 6, 2019
7:36 a.m.
Restrictions are in place at Big Cottonwood Canyon. Chains and 4-wheel drive are required for all vehicles, and the same restrictions are in place for Little Cottonwood Canyon. Uphill traffic is stopped at Gate B and downhill traffic is stopped at Gate C in Big Cottonwood, and an interlodge is in place while crews work on avalanche control. The canyon is expected to reopen at 8 a.m., although that time is subject to change.
Chains are required for all semis traveling on I-80 through Parley’s Canyon. Eastbound Sr-92 through American Fork is closed until 8 a.m.
UDOT have asked people not to try and pass snowplows.
“If you think you’re going slow enough, go even slower,” said KSL TV’s Haley Smith.
Heavy, blowing snow in the Salt Lake, Tooele, Summit, Wasatch and Utah county areas. Headed south? Plan your travel very carefully today.
— UDOT Region One (@UDOTRegionOne) February 6, 2019
7 a.m.
UDOT has said it’s one of the worst days they’ve seen on Utah roads. They asked people to avoid roads and work from home if it’s at all possible.
KSL TV’s Haley Smith noted drive times had increased significantly, with the commute from Provo to Salt Lake City coming in at roughly 101 minutes.
The state announced it will be delaying the arrival of state employees by four hours, and non essential employees were asked to report to work by noon to allow crews time to improve road conditions.
Update to your drive times! pic.twitter.com/Lymtmfnbg7
— HALEY SMITH (@haleysmithKSL) February 6, 2019
Due to snow, all nonessential state workers should plan to arrive at work by 12:00 p.m. today. Stay safe out there. We're grateful to @UDOTTRAFFIC, @UtahDPS, and @UTHighwayPatrol for all they are doing to make our roads safe.
— Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) February 6, 2019
6:30 a.m.
Officials announced Little Cottonwood Canyon will be closed until 8 a.m for avalanche control.
Feb06 Little Cottonwood will close at 5:30am-8:00am for avalanche control. Estimated Open 8:00am #utsnow
— UPD Canyon Alerts (@CanyonAlerts) February 6, 2019
5:27 a.m.
Traffic is slow, and drive times have already doubled. KSL TV’s Haley Smith suggested commuters hit the road far earlier than usual. Drive time from Provo to Salt Lake City was an hour, and Ogden to Salt Lake City was 72 minutes.
TRAFFIC ALERT: We are alreadry seeing double time on those morning drives to and from SLC pic.twitter.com/82ce93gjGf
— HALEY SMITH (@haleysmithKSL) February 6, 2019
