Rain turning to snow across Utah valleys as winter storms moves through

SALT LAKE CITY — Winter weather has arrived in Utah, with mountains expected to receive 1′ to 2′ of snow and valleys seeing rain turn to snow as temperatures drop throughout the morning.

Salt Lake City could see 4″ to 6″ of snow, with Provo and Ogden expected to get around 3″ of snow. Park City could see up to 12″ of snow with this storm.

Meteorologists say heavier snowfall is possible in northern Utah during Thursday’s morning commute while heavier snow is expected in central and southern Utah later in the day.

“Travelers during the Thursday morning commute should drive slow on area highways and roadways and remember their skills in driving in winter conditions,” officials with the National Weather Service said. “Leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.”

Little Cottonwood Canyon… It’s your time to shine! Did you know Utah’s ski resorts up the Cottonwood Canyons get more snow than any other resort in the U.S…? Bring it on! ❄️ Snow day today across our state and @KSL5TV has you covered! @KSLweyman #KSLWeather #UTWX https://t.co/MIgbYudHLT

— Dan Spindle KSL (@DanSpindleKSL) December 9, 2021

The Utah Department of Transportation said the traction law is in effect for both Big and Little Cottonwood canyons, meaning all vehicles need approved traction devices. All-wheel and 4×4 vehicles need M+S or M/S (mud and snow) tires or tires with a Snowflake symbol on the side.

Two-wheel drive vehicles must have four 3-peak mountain snowflake tires.

Traction devices such as chains, snow socks, tire studs are also acceptable. When the traction law is in effect, you must be equipped with traction devices or the appropriate snow tires before traveling in the Cottonwoods.

#RoadUpdate 👋travelers! Roads at this time are running wet in lower, but snowy for mid-upper canyons. Snow continues all day, heavy at times, exceeding 1"/hr w/ 4-6” road ❄️ expected for lower & over 10” for upper. Be prepared for winter driving conditions ALL day #SR190 #SR210! pic.twitter.com/shmruz1Aqv

— UDOT Cottonwood Canyons (@UDOTcottonwoods) December 9, 2021

Crashes have been reported across the Salt Lake Valley on northbound and southbound I-15, along with I-80 and I-215.

Power outages

Rocky Mountain Power officials said approximately 2,400 customers were without power due to an outage in West Valley City.

Crews are investigating the outage and estimated power would be restored before 11 a.m.

School closures

The Tooele County School District announced Dugway schools will move to online learning Thursday due to winter weather conditions.

All other schools in the district were expected to follow a regular schedule.

Remote learning for Dugway Schools this morning due to incoming winter storm. #utwx#ksltv @KSL5TV https://t.co/NUrTlW8Nw5

— Tamara Vaifanua (@TamaraVaifanua) December 9, 2021

The Provo School District wanted parents to refamiliarize themselves with the district’s procedures for severe weather.

Provo schools said it is prepared to switch to at-home learning if needed. They will update parents on social media if any changes are needed.

We are entering the time of year where there is a chance that morning weather may impact teachers and students in getting to school on time. Learn about our new inclement weather procedures at https://t.co/xF5AqpowSt

Stay safe and warm out there! pic.twitter.com/ADynXQcsnh

— Provo City School District (@ProvoSchoolDist) December 8, 2021

KSL TV has LIVE team coverage as the storm moves across the state — Dan Spindle and Lori Prichard are in studio to bring you the latest updates with meteorologist Grant Weyman.

Haley Smith, Morgan Wolfe and Jed Boal are keeping an eye out on road and traffic conditions while Tamara Vaifanua will bring you any breaking news updates and school closures.

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