Meteorologist says incoming storms could come with microbursts

SALT LAKE CITY —  Along with thunderstorms, there’s a chance of microbursts across Central and Northern Utah later today.

Microbursts are strong and sudden winds. They occur when a storm essentially collapses in on itself. All that energy disperses and sends fast winds in all directions reaching up to 50 miles per hour. 

With monsoonal moisture in place, Utah and southwest Wyoming will see another round of afternoon showers and storms. Coverage will be greatest over northern and central Utah, and any storms that develop will be capable of producing strong and gusty microburst winds. #utwx pic.twitter.com/PXcnkXXAto

— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) August 12, 2024

 

“You can think of it as a big pile of energy and a thunderstorm when it collapses all that wind goes with it,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Nicole DeSmet.

“The winds just jump down to the surface and then those winds spread out in every direction …  It will happen all at once”

DeSmet said there are safety precautions you can take before a storm happens. 

“Bring anything that would be loose in your backyard … secure any of those items or bring them indoors into your garage or into a shed,” said DeSmet.

Loose items like patio furniture could get lost or hurt someone if the wind picks them up. 

Additionally, lightning is expected to hit different parts of the state.

Tune into KSL NewsRadio for weather updates or text “news” to 57500 to get alerts on your mobile phone.

Alexandrea Bonilla is a producer, reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.

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