WEATHER

Salt Lake County assesses windstorm damage, opens warming centers

Sep 8, 2020, 3:39 PM | Updated: 4:04 pm

salt lake county damage...

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson showed known points of damage on a map during a news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. Photo: KSL NewsRadio via Facebook Live

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake County officials reported “extensive damage” across northern Utah on Tuesday as local leaders continued to respond to a strong windstorm, announcing the availability of four warming centers as the winds continue to howl. And with a strong wind advisory in effect until Wednesday, more damage is expected. 

Mayor Jenny Wilson said Tuesday she expected the cleanup to take some time. 

“We have downed power lines. We have Rocky Mountain Power here to talk about that,” she said. 

Power outages and damage in Salt Lake County

Rocky Mountain Power spokesman Spencer Hall said repairs may take time. “Power outages could extend for 48 to 72 hours,” he said. Hall emphasized checking on vulnerable neighbors as power outages continue.  

Wilson described seeing damage including downed trees and traffic signals, displaying a map that pinpointed areas of known damage in Salt Lake County. 

“People need to be really cautious. We don’t want people getting in the way of downed power lines,” Wilson said.

Hall added that while a down power line may look harmless, they can actually be energized that can be incredibly dangerous. His advice is to stay away from power lines. “We have hundreds if not thousands of crew members working to restore power,” said Hall. 

Salt Lake County Emergency Manager Clint Mecham echoed that caution, noting the windstorm is not yet over. 

“Even though the wind may die for a short period of time, it is expected to come back,” he said. He pointed out downed trees and other debris could be covering up power lines that residents may not see. 

Cleanup during COVID-19

Wilson said residents need to make sure that, while helping neighbors, they don’t also put themselves at risk. 

“It is COVID, still. That caution still needs to be in place — mask-wearing,” she added.  

According to Wilson, county residents can dispose of “green” debris — downed brush, branches or trees — at no charge at the landfill starting Friday for as long as needed. It was also mentioned that homeowners are responsible for cleaning up debris on private property. 

Warming centers available in four locations

Salt Lake County officials announced several warming centers will be available to area residents who have no power and need access to electricity and heat. Forecasters predict temperatures will stay unseasonably cool the next couple of nights. 

Two warming centers are in Salt Lake City, one in Millcreek, and one in West Valley City.

  • Northwest Recreation Center at 125 W Clark Av
  • Emerson Ward at 808 E Roosevelt Ave
  • Millcreek Community Center at 2266 E Evergreen Ave
  • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center at 3650 W 4400 S, West Valley City 

Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox addressed reporters alongside Wilson after touring some of the damage. He said the state is evaluating whether to issue a statewide emergency declaration after Centerville and Salt Lake City declared emergencies. That decision could come this afternoon. 

Wilson said Salt Lake County is also evaluating whether to issue its own emergency declaration. 

More storm coverage: 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Weather

Rain and snow expected Easter...

Adam Small

More rain and snow on the way for Easter

More rain and snow is headed to Utah on Thursday, and the wet weather is expected to hang around through Easter.

19 hours ago

People hike in winter...

Adam Small

Late winter storm adds to already flourishing Utah snowpack

A late winter storm along the Wasatch Front might've caused a headache for drivers over the weekend, but it also added more to Utah snowpack.

4 days ago

Rain and snow expected...

Peter Johnston

Rain and snow will stick around for the week

The weekend weather Utah will stick around for a bit longer. It'll dry out a bit this week before the rain and snow showers come back on Easter.

4 days ago

Traffic camera photo showing road conditions, taken on Bangerter Highway on I-80 on March 24, 2024....

Kennedy Camarena

Bad road conditions caused by rain and snow

Road conditions throughout the valley will change in the day as rain and snow move through the area. Get updates on road conditions here.

5 days ago

Deer Valley and other ski resorts in Utah have extended their closing dates....

Britt Johnson

Utah ski resorts extend closing dates

Several Utah ski resorts aren't closing as soon as they thought. Several announced extended seasons thanks to an extra snowy February.

6 days ago

Warmer weather could mean Utah sees more toxic algae blooms this spring and summer....

Britt Johnson

More algae blooms in Utah might pop up because of the warm temperatures

In Utah, Algae blooms aren't typically on the radar until the summer. But experts are keeping a close eye on conditions this year.

6 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Salt Lake County assesses windstorm damage, opens warming centers