SALT LAKE CITY — A small storm passing through the state on Tuesday may cause some road snow, but the bigger issue could be the strong wind gusts that it may create.
The National Weather Service issued a series of wind advisories and high wind watches for a portion of the Wasatch Front and southwest Utah, where wind gusts of 55-65 mph are possible between Tuesday and Wednesday.
The strong winds are expected because of a low-pressure system core cutting through Nevada at the start of this week, said KSL meteorologist Devan Masciulli. The system created some scattered showers in northern Utah, and more are forecast in central Utah on Tuesday. It’s also projected to cause winds to move into a more easterly flow.
Easterly flow, in turn, leads to downslope winds, especially in the valleys along the northern Wasatch Front. The weather service’s advisory includes Bountiful and Ogden, remaining in effect from 2 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, as wind gusts up to 55 mph are forecast.
A high wind watch goes into effect for the same area after that, lasting through Wednesday morning. Gusts up to 65 mph are possible, the alert states. Masciulli said the strongest wind gusts will likely occur between Layton and Bountiful during both days.
“This has to be at the right angle at the right time,” she said. “If these (winds) do really come in from the east and the northeast, it could spread a little further inland closer to the Great Salt Lake.”
Easterly winds will develop Tuesday morning that will result in downsloping winds across the Wasatch front. The greatest threat for strong winds will be along and east of I-15 from Layton to Bountiful. Winds will gradually diminish by noon on Wednesday. #utwxpic.twitter.com/vlQlv7Pb3f
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) January 6, 2025
Utah’s “wind tunnel” isn’t the only area where stronger winds are expected. The National Weather Service also issued a wind advisory for lower Washington County — including St. George, Ivins and Hurricane — that will remain in effect from Tuesday morning through noon Wednesday. Gusts of up to 55 mph are forecast.
Utah Department of Transportation officials say the wind could cause some travel issues over the next two days. They urge drivers to use “high” caution while traveling through high-elevation areas in central Utah, which may experience “considerable” road snow as well as blowing snow.
They add that drivers should also prepare for “pockets of blowing snow” across the Wasatch Back routes, especially with freshly fallen snow in the area. That could also create some travel headaches.
The weather service alerts add that travel could be difficult for drivers of high-profile vehicles and vehicles with trailers.
Winds are forecast to die down after Wednesday, but chilly and dry conditions will remain through the end of the workweek. High temperatures may only top out in the upper 30s and lower 40s along the Wasatch Front; St. George highs are forecast to remain in the upper 40s and lower 50s.
Full seven-day forecasts for areas across Utah can be found online at the KSL Weather Center.
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