Troopers Respond To 157 Crashes After Second Storm Of Week Wreaks Havoc
Feb 6, 2020, 11:27 AM | Updated: 1:00 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Highway Patrol was out in force Thursday morning as winter weather created poor driving conditions for the second time in a week.
According to UHP, troopers investigated 157 crashes on Utah roads by 10:30 a.m.
State Troopers have investigated 157 crashes this morning. Again, don't get too comfortable with the roadway you're currently driving on; there are still icy and snowpack spots throughout the valleys, especially on overpasses and bridges.
— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) February 6, 2020
The roads were icy and slushy along the Wasatch Front as an overnight storm dumped fresh snow on northern Utah.
John Gleason, spokesman for the Utah Department of Transportation, urged drivers to delay their commute after snow plows were having difficulty navigating around slide-offs. The Utah Highway Patrol also asked drivers to stay off the roads for as long as possible as plow drivers worked to clear away the new snow.
The weather led to multiple issues. In Layton, a crash on US 89 left drivers waiting for more than 15 minutes in a single spot. UDOT had to close the road in Little Cottonwood Canyon for avalanche control, and strong winds forced the closure of Alta Ski Resort.
South Jordan police said bald tires and speed were to blame for a crash on Bangerter Highway near 11400 South.
The view from the #KSLTV Mobile 5 this morning covering #UTWX
From Tooele to Salt Lake City to Utah County to Weber County…. pic.twitter.com/tOWGDIVt2x
— Derek Petersen (@Derek_Photog) February 6, 2020
“We’ve noticed a lot of cars that are crashing and losing control had bald tires … in addition to going too fast,” said SJPD Sgt. Sam Winkler.
UHP Troopers responded to more than 300 crashes just days before during a snowstorm that led to schools and government offices shutting down.
Thursday’s snow is forecast to turn to rain as the day moves on. KSL meteorologist Grant Weyman said rain is expected to continue into Friday for many areas in northern Utah.
“If you’re up high in the mountain areas, you guys get the snow throughout the day today,” he said.
While there’ll be a break Saturday, the winter weather could pick up again on Sunday.
KSL TV’s Felicia Martinez contributed to this report.
