Thousands without power after storm moves through Utah
Mar 6, 2022, 11:25 AM | Updated: 8:25 pm
(Morgan Wolfe, KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY – Rocky Mountain Power said thousands of customers were without power Sunday after a winter storm swept across Utah.
“Some 30,000 customers were out of service due to heavy wet snow accumulating on equipment and trees, causing damage and power interruptions,” read a Sunday afternoon press release from RMP.
We're aware of scattered outages in Salt Lake County caused by the severe winter storm. Our field is working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible, we appreciate your patience. For updates, please text OUT to 756977 or visit https://t.co/5KJ7zd0MQ1
— Rocky Mountain Power UT (@RMP_Utah) March 6, 2022
The company said teams from Southern Utah, Idaho and Wyoming were brought in to assist in restoration work.
“Our teams will be working around the clock to restore service to customers,” said Curtis Mansfield, power delivery senior vice president for Rocky Mountain Power.
The latest information on the outages can be found here.
The storm brought much-needed snow to Utah’s ski resorts and mountain areas, and caused outages and slick roads.
On Saturday, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for the Salt Lake and Tooele valleys.
The warning was set to expire by noon Sunday.
Salt Lake City police said they responded to “numerous weather-related hazards including downed wires throughout the city.” One broken line caused a small fire.
Our officers are busy today responding to numerous weather-related hazards including downed wires throughout the city. This photo shows a fallen tree branch stuck on a utility line causing a small fire. It may be a good idea to postpone travel. #utwx #slc #slcpd #saltlakecity pic.twitter.com/rW3t6uvt8t
— Salt Lake City Police (@slcpd) March 6, 2022
Police advised people to postpone travel, if possible.
The Utah Highway Patrol said the roads were wet and to plan ahead so you could get to your destination safely.
“Please slow down and give yourself extra time,” read their tweet.
The roads are wet, please slow down and give yourself extra time. This storm will be sticking around well into the week and when it isn't snowing it will be cold, which means icy conditions. Plan ahead and get there safely.
— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) March 6, 2022
The snow also caused problems with the Utah Transit Authority as many trains and buses were rerouted.
Crews also worked to remove snow at the Salt Lake City International Airport to keep traffic moving.