Snow, Rain Create Slush, Visibility Issues During Friday Morning Drive

Apr 12, 2019, 5:35 AM | Updated: 7:58 am

KSLTV.com

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Early-morning commuters woke up to heavy, wet snow and slushy roads this morning.

KSL TV meteorologist Grant Weyman said the snow isn’t expected to last throughout the day, but rain will continue later.

Here’s how the morning shaped up:

7:15 a.m.

Drivers in Tooele are being routed around a crash at 2400 North and Main Street. All lanes are blocked, but authorities are using a turning lane to help get traffic through the incident.

Crash NB Main Street at 2400 North in Tooele. Looks like all NB lanes are closed right now. Drivers will need to find alternate route to I-80 on Sr-36. pic.twitter.com/ntfHxfkXrU

— Heather Kelly (@KSLHeatherKelly) April 12, 2019

Traffic specialist Haley Smith said most of the snow and slush has melted off roads in the valley, but she noted that streets are still wet, so drivers need to be cautious.

7 a.m.

A reminder that chains and four-wheel drive restrictions are in place for a reason!

Chains required for semi’s headed up Parley’s Canyon or else slidoffs like this. We’re seeing plenty of it this morning. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/XHyeEkESjw

— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaNews) April 12, 2019

UDOT is warning drivers to expect slick road conditions in Park City and Parley’s Canyon through 8 a.m. The commute is expected to improve after 8 a.m., according to officials.

Weather Alert: Expect some slick road conditions in Park City and thru Parley’s Canyon thru 8am; conditions expected to improve after 8am. This will primarily impact the front end of this morning’s commute in these areas. For current road conditions visit: https://t.co/gD7Yep0viu

— UDOT Traffic (@UDOTTRAFFIC) April 12, 2019

6:45 a.m.

A crash on northbound I-15 in Utah County is causing traffic delays at Pleasant Grove Boulevard. UDOT estimated the scene will be cleared by 7:22 a.m.

Crash
NB I-15 at MP 275 (PG Blvd) Utah Co.
Left/Right shoulder
Est. Clearance Time: 7:22 AM

— UDOT Traffic (@UDOTTRAFFIC) April 12, 2019

6:30 a.m.

KSL TV traffic specialist Haley Smith said storm is hitting Utah County, so drivers in the area should expect to see their morning commute increase. She said the roads are wet right now, but drivers should be prepared for slush as the morning progresses.

6:15 a.m.

While some areas are seeing heavy, wet snow and slushy roads, other portions along the Wasatch Front have wet conditions due to rain. News specialist Felicia Martinez noted the wet conditions on I-15 at Point of the Mountain.

Wet roads at the moment (6:06) at point of the mountain in Draper! pic.twitter.com/np7ejhyvP1

— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaNews) April 12, 2019

Additionally, chains or four-wheel drive restrictions have been put in place for Salt Lake County canyons.

Apr12 Both Canyons 4×4 or chains required 5:45amdue to weather. #utsnow

— UPD Canyon Alerts (@CanyonAlerts) April 12, 2019

6 a.m.

KSL TV traffic specialist Haley Smith said anyone commuting on I-80 through Parley’s should plan for “a lot of extra time.” The accumulated snow, Haley noted, is thick.

The National Weather Service has noted that the warmer roads on the valley floor is turning snow into slush.

As that slush accumulates, it can be difficult to navigate the highways. It can be hard to distinguish lines on the road, and it’s easy to hit standing slush when changing lanes. The best course of action is to simply slow down.

Roads are 'warm' on valley floor, so any snow should only cause brief slush. Benches and higher, that's where heavier snow showers will be more impactful early this morning. Here are the current road temperatures. #utwx pic.twitter.com/SPYv9XAVJ7

— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) April 12, 2019

5:45 a.m.

With the snowy, slushy conditions, UDOT plows are on the roads. According to the UDOT website, you need to remember:

Distance: Give snowplows room to work. The plows are wide and can cross the center line or shoulder. Don’t tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud.
Speed: Snowplows travel below the posted speed limit. Be patient. Allow plenty of time to slow down.
Vision: A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they don’t always see you. Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops or turns.

Plows are out, give them room. Don’t get in between plows like this driver in Davis County. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/Ct65NgVy9g

— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaNews) April 12, 2019

5:30 a.m.

News specialist Felicia Martinez is in Mobile 5 this morning to check firsthand what the commute is looking like. She’s reporting that I-15 in Davis County is especially slushy.

“Reduce your speed,” she tweeted.

Davis county along I-15 it’s very slushy. Reduce your speed. Plows are out! @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/XIxHSB7h1d

— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaNews) April 12, 2019

UDOT also reported that chains and/or four-wheel drive is required for ALL vehicles in both directions on state Route 210 at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Restrictions are expected to remain in place until 1 p.m.

Chains are required for all semi trucks on eastbound I-80 through Parley’s Canyon. The chain-up area is located on the right at mile post 129 at the mouth of the canyon. UDOT doesn’t have an estimated time those restrictions will be lifted.