Utah, get ready for a serious winter punch—a massive snowstorm is moving in, and it’s about to bury parts of the state under up to 3 feet of snow by Saturday evening.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning, and if you’re planning to travel through the mountains or hit the slopes, you might want to rethink your plans. With blizzard-like conditions, whiteouts, and dangerous roads, getting around will be rough—even for seasoned winter drivers.
🌨️ What’s Coming?
A major winter storm system is rolling in, bringing:
✔ Heavy snow—1 to 3 feet expected in the mountains
✔ Winds strong enough to cause whiteout conditions
✔ Brutal travel conditions, especially Friday and Saturday
The snow kicks off Thursday morning, but the worst of it will hit Thursday night into Friday, with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times. By Saturday evening, some areas could be completely buried.
📍 Who’s Getting Hit the Hardest?
🏔️ Wasatch Mountains & Western Uinta Mountains
✔ 1 to 3 feet of snow expected—with the highest totals in the Upper Cottonwoods and Bear River Range.
✔ Winds will cause dangerous blowing snow, making driving even harder.
✔ Roads like I-80, I-84, and US-40 could see major delays or closures.
📍 Wasatch Plateau/Book Cliffs & Central Mountains
✔ 1 to 2 feet of snow expected—plenty to make roads slick and travel difficult.
✔ Heavy snow + wind = low visibility and tough driving conditions.
✔ Backcountry avalanche danger will be high—be extra cautious if you’re heading into the mountains.
🚨 Why This Storm Is a Big Deal
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Driving Will Be a Nightmare
- Major highways and mountain passes will be slick, snow-packed, and possibly shut down.
- Utah’s traction law may be enforced—if you don’t have chains, 4WD, or snow tires, you’re not getting through.
- If you don’t have to drive, don’t risk it.
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Blizzard-Like Conditions
- Winds whipping up to 60 mph will blow snow everywhere, making it hard to see—even in the middle of the day.
- Even trucks and SUVs will struggle on the roads.
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Avalanche Risk Will Be High
- Deep snow and strong winds = dangerous avalanche conditions in the backcountry.
- Check Utah Avalanche Center reports before heading out.
🚗 If You Must Travel…
✔ Avoid mountain travel unless absolutely necessary.
✔ If you have to drive, pack an emergency kit with blankets, snacks, water, and a flashlight.
✔ Check road conditions before heading out—some highways may require chains or 4WD.
✔ If you get stuck, stay in your car and wait for help.
🚨 Check real-time road conditions:
- Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT): udottraffic.utah.gov
- Weather & avalanche conditions: weather.gov/slc/winter
🏠 Stuck at Home? Here’s How to Prep
✔ Stock up on food, water, and essentials—this storm could keep you indoors for a couple of days.
✔ Charge your phone and keep flashlights handy—strong winds could cause power outages.
✔ Bundle up and stay warm—temperatures will be dropping, and it’s going to stay cold.
✔ Check on neighbors and elderly family members to make sure they have what they need.
⏳ When Will It Be Over?
- Snow will continue through Saturday evening, gradually winding down.
- Roads will still be rough into Sunday, especially in the mountains.
- Another storm might be on the way next week, so don’t put that snow shovel away just yet!
This isn’t just a light dusting—this is a major winter storm that could shut down roads and leave people stranded. If you don’t have to travel, stay home, stay warm, and wait it out.
