Advisory: Winds Picking Up Across Wasatch Front

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Gusts on Monday picked up to more than 60 miles per hour in some areas as the National Weather Service issued a wind advisory for portions of northern Utah.

Gusts up to 63 miles per hour were reported on I-80 between Wendover and Grantsville.

We have a high wind advisory in effect on I-80 through Tooele County. High profile vehicles like the one blown over minutes ago (shown below) should avoid transiting the area until the winds subside. pic.twitter.com/1GQz0cJnil

— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) March 29, 2021

“Vehicles traveling on Pioneer Crossing and other west-east routes should be prepared for strong crosswinds, especially those operating high profile vehicles,” according to NWS.

The advisory is in place until 5 p.m.

“Probably the No. 1 thing troopers see on a day like today is debris,” said Lt. Nick Street with the Utah Highway Patrol.

He said drivers should keep at least 200 feet away from the vehicle in front of them – or 2/3 the length of a football field. Wind can cause deadly crashes because of items being blown onto roadways such as planters, buckets and ladders.

Depending on the vehicle’s distance, a driver may not have the proper time to react to something blown in front of a car. That can lead to crashes that sometimes could have been prevented.

“We actually had a pretty serious one yesterday,, as you know, a young person lost their life after debris on the roadway slowed two vehicles,” Street said. “A third vehicle that didn’t give themselves enough time and distance to react to slowing vehicles drove into the back of a vehicle that ultimately resulted in the death of a 5-year-old child.”

He said during times of windy conditions, drivers need to slow down below the posted speed limit. Any items being hauled should also be properly secured.

Street said drivers should be looking about 12 – 15 seconds in front of them to allow themselves to safely avoid hitting debris or other cars.