UHP beefs up patrols to combat state-wide storm

Utah Highway Patrol and Utah Department of Transportation were bracing for the incoming snowstorm Sunday night and warning drivers that their Monday morning commute may be a mess.

Rain moved into the Salt Lake area Sunday evening, signaling the start of the storm. It also served as a signal to UHP to bring in extra help.

Trooper Kelley Jensen said they already saw a couple of calls come in.

“We have more troopers out just trying to make sure that we have enough bodies out there to respond to the calls that can come in due to the inclement weather,” she explained.

Sunday evening, a UHP patrol vehicle sat stationed at the Interstate 15 onramp from 5300 South. Not far north of that, a UDOT sign above the freeway read: “ROAD SNOW SUN PM — MON AM PLAN TRAVEL.”

UDOT spokesperson John Gleason told KSL TV earlier in the day that the rain prevented their crews from pre-treating the roads. They were ready to start plowing snow Sunday evening in the expected statewide storm.

‘It is an impactful storm;’ UDOT crews prepare for statewide winter storm

Trooper Jensen warned drivers to buckle up and slow down.

“We also need people to make sure their vehicles are equipped, making sure their tires have the proper amount of tread to be able to travel through that type of weather,” she said.

Drivers waking up Monday morning with snow on their vehicles need to clear it off of everything, including the roof, to prevent snow or ice from flying off on the road. She suggested ensuring wiper blades are in working order and the gas tank is full.

“It really just comes down to everybody,” Trooper Jensen said. “We all have to do our part to make sure we can get there safely.”