Pineapple Express Weather System Brings Heavy Rains and Snow
Mar 8, 2019, 9:00 AM | Updated: 9:01 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A weather system that originated in the Pacific, hit California, and is now moving through Utah has brought heavy rains and snow. This particular storm started as part of a system called the “Pineapple Express.”
“A well-known example of a strong atmospheric river is called the “Pineapple Express” because moisture builds up in the tropical Pacific around Hawaii and can wallop the U.S. and Canada’s West Coasts with heavy rainfall and snow,” according to the National Ocean Service.
The storm started out with rain across the Wasatch Front, that turned into snow. That impacted travel on I-15, as drivers say winter driving conditions.
Utah county DRIVERS are dealing with wintry type driving conditions! Across the state… Give yourself EXTRA time on I-15 south of Scipio up to Lindon pic.twitter.com/C9IbxS2FB7
— HALEY SMITH (@haleysmithKSL) March 8, 2019
KSL meteorologist Grant Weyman said by 9 p.m. the valleys could see 1″-3″ of snow, while benches will get 3″-6″, and mountains could see 10″-20″ of snow.
ADVISORY: Valley rain will change to snow through the day– by 9pm– we expect 1-3” valleys- 3-6” benches– 10-20” mountains. pic.twitter.com/cVdnltaDpR
— Grant Weyman (@KSLweyman) March 8, 2019