UHP responds to over 150 crashes, dozens of SLC flights canceled due to winter weather

SALT LAKE CITY — State troopers responded to dozens of crashes and slide-offs Wednesday morning and officials with the Salt Lake City International Airport said around two dozen flights were canceled as winter weather rolled through Utah.

Sgt. Cameron Roden with the Utah Highway Patrol said troopers were called out to 158 crashes after snow started falling Tuesday evening. Altogether, troopers had assisted 517 vehicles that slid off the road or needed additional help as of 11:15 a.m. Wednesday.

Several drivers were going too fast for current conditions, and troopers asked drivers to slow down as roads will remain slick and snow-packed throughout the morning.

What a storm!

❄️21" Snowbird
❄️19" Alta Collins
❄️15" Cottonwood Heights
❄️15" Tooele
❄️12" Bountiful Bench
❄️9.5" Payson
❄️7" Clarkston
❄️3.5" Beaver

More in the link! #utwx https://t.co/xSFjdVOwiX

— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) December 15, 2021

The Salt Lake City International Airport received 8.5″ of snow in an eight-hour period, and 25 inbound flights were canceled.

Six outbound flights have been canceled, and airport officials said travelers should check with their airlines for current information. Flights Wednesday morning are seeing delays due to de-icing procedures, and crews are working to keep the runways clear of snow.

Big Cottonwood Canyon was temporarily closed Wednesday morning as authorities reported uphill cars were struggling with road conditions.

That closure has since been lifted, and the Utah Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be prepared for winter road conditions and heavy “powder day” traffic in both Cottonwood canyons.

PHOTOS: Winter weather slams into Utah

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