Winter Storm Warning is issued as the storm moves toward Utah after Christmas

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A series of winter storms moving across Utah are expected to blanket the mountains with up to 3 feet of snow between Christmas and New Year’s, according to the National Weather Service.

NWS issued a winter storm warning for Utah’s mountains on Christmas morning, warning of multiple storms that could dump up to 30 inches of snow between late Wednesday and Saturday afternoon.

Christmas morning brought the brunt of the current storm to the state, with weather-related travel concerns predicted nearly statewide east of I-15 and north of I-70. Even though the worst of Wednesday’s storm is expected to pass by midday, those driving over mountain passes on the way home still need to proceed with caution, the Utah Department of Transportation’s road forecast says.

As the rain and snow eases, the higher roads will become wet and drivers will need to proceed with extra caution as the roads begin to dry, which should not last too long into the afternoon hours.

The Christmas storm leaves Utah in the evening. However, the next storm system will be on Utah’s doorstep Thursday morning.

Thursday’s storm is expected to impact most of the state’s mountains, according to the NWS.

“Total snow accumulations in the northern mountains due to multiple storms will be between 1 and 3 feet, with the higher mountains in the Bear River Mountains, Ben Lomand area and upper Cottonwoods,” NWS said. “Much less snow is expected for the central/southern mountains.”

Snow will begin falling along the Wasatch Front late morning and midday Thursday, and trace amounts are expected in the valleys, with snow accumulations increasing at higher elevations.

Another storm system is expected to bring a few days of wet mountain snow and lots of wind to high elevations through Friday as southern Utah dries out.

The Utah Department of Transportation recommends drivers prepare for winter driving conditions and possible traction limitations on mountain routes. Officials recommend taking emergency supplies and checking road conditions at udottraffic.utah.gov before traveling.

And then Utah’s central and northern mountains will feel the effects of a storm on Sunday that will cool by Monday and likely turn valley rain into valley snow.

KUTV Chief Meteorologist Lindsay Storrs said holiday travelers will find the easiest route home, at least as far as road weather, for the remainder of Christmas Day and Thursday midday and afternoon.

She pointed out that a few snowflakes could potentially fall Thursday afternoon. So drive carefully.

UDOT has warned that traction laws could come into effect if conditions become too treacherous at high altitudes.

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