Icy road conditions, strong winds impacting morning commute

SALT LAKE CITY — High wind advisories are in effect for the Wasatch Front while the rest of the state remained under winter storm warnings and advisories.

Wind gusts reached 78 mph in Davis County Wednesday morning, and the high wind advisory was extended into Utah County through 10 a,m. Gusty winds could lead to blowing snow and reduced visibility during the morning commute.

As of 6:15 a.m., over 4,500 people are without power in the Clearfield, Ogden, Harrisville and North Ogden areas. Over 60 power outages have been reported across the northern half of the state.

Wind picking up in South Weber. Hold on folks and keep it slow on the roads. ⁦@KSL5TV⁩ #utwx pic.twitter.com/FdY7eON8M7

— Tamara Vaifanua (@TamaraVaifanua) February 23, 2022

At 4 am, here's a sample of how strong canyon winds have gotten thus far. #UTwx pic.twitter.com/sMDuZkuAPA

— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) February 23, 2022

Multiple crashes have been reported on I-70 and I-15 in central Utah, especially in the Richfield area, and slick road conditions led to crashes across the Salt Lake Valley. The biggest impacts were in the south and western parts of the valley, including a multi-vehicle crash that blocked multiple lanes on southbound I-15 at 10600 South.

The traction law is also in effect for both Big and Little Cottonwood canyons.

Temperatures will remain below average through the weekend and the Wasatch Front could see another inch or two of snow Wednesday morning, according to KSL meteorologist Grant Weyman.

A storm that targeted central and southern Utah Tuesday night was still bringing snow to those areas. Meteorologists expect the area to see 2-4″ of snow through Wednesday evening and winter road conditions throughout the area.

Extreme wind in South Weber #KSLTV pic.twitter.com/K2KsG4YQqp

— Derek Petersen (@Derek_Photog) February 23, 2022

In central Utah, the Carbon School District announced classes have been canceled for Wednesday.

“Many of our roads have not been plowed and our buses cannot safely transport students this morning. Also, more snow is expected today,” said Carbon School District Superintendent Mika Salas. “We are working hard to ensure that our parking lots and grounds are plowed for tomorrow. Also, our county and city road crews will have time to plow our streets.”