The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued widespread Winter Weather Advisories across Utah and surrounding states as a potent winter storm system begins to impact the Intermountain West.
Snowfall is expected to intensify from Wednesday evening through Thursday, affecting both mountainous terrain and valley floors, with totals ranging from 2 inches to over 20 inches in some high-elevation areas.
Key highlights of the storm include:
- Up to 20 inches of snow forecast for parts of the Bear River Range.
- 8 to 12 inches expected in the Central Utah Mountains.
- Widespread travel impacts anticipated, especially during Thursday morning commutes.
- Additional snowfall possible due to lake effect snow south and southeast of the Great Salt Lake.
“This system is widespread and dynamic,” said Mark D. Smith, meteorologist with the NWS Salt Lake City office. “Mountain passes and valley corridors alike will see accumulation, and we are strongly advising the public to prepare for dangerous travel conditions.”
Utah Braces for Mountain and Valley Snowfall
The Central and Southern Mountains of Utah, including Fish Lake, Joes Valley, and Brian Head, are forecasted to receive 8 to 12 inches of snow from early Thursday morning through the evening.
Lower elevations in Eastern Juab and Millard Counties, including Nephi and Fillmore, are expected to see 2 to 5 inches, while areas north of Nephi like Santaquin and Spanish Fork may receive 1 to 3 inches…