Hurricane-force winds in Utah close schools, knock power out
Sep 8, 2020, 9:06 AM | Updated: 10:52 am
SALT LAKE CITY — A large arctic storm system has brought cold temperatures and hurricane-force winds to Utah that has knocked out power, flipped semis and canceled school across northern Utah.
The National Weather Service reported multiple weather stations across northern Utah that measured winds gusting more than 90 mph.
Just received a report of 97 mph gust in Farmington. #utwx pic.twitter.com/u6aKo4ugMX
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) September 8, 2020
⚠️ Downslope Wind Event ⚠️
Post #27
We have a winner for the low elevation race to 90 mph.
At 6;35 am the Park Lane Station recorded a wind gust of 91 mph!#utwx #utwind pic.twitter.com/bYEUzs3eTG
— NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) September 8, 2020
Power Outages
Rocky Mountain Power reported 654 outages across Utah affecting 58,535 customers.
.@RMP_Utah now reported 654 outages across Utah affecting 58,535 customers. pic.twitter.com/QV40bMlGCQ
— KSL NewsRadio (@kslnewsradio) September 8, 2020
School Closures
The strong winds and power outages led the Salt Lake, Davis, Ogden and Weber Districts to close for the day.
All classes are canceled today.#SLCSD #uted pic.twitter.com/zESE9owCla
— SLC School District (@slcschools) September 8, 2020
Due to several school locations reporting loss of power combined with hazardous travel conditions for employees and students, classes are canceled at all locations 9/8/2020. Stay home and stay safe. Check https://t.co/5n5lKoryzf for updates and visit https://t.co/72AH2Lf0Qi
— OgdenSchoolDistrict (@ogdensd) September 8, 2020
WEATHER ADVISORY: All Davis School District schools are closed today, Sept. 8.
— DavisSchools (@DavisSchools) September 8, 2020
ATTENTION! Due to high winds and power outages, classes have been canceled at all schools in Weber School District on Tuesday, September 8th.
Posted by Weber School District on Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Universities and Colleges
The University of Utah and Westminster College also canceled all classes. Weber State canceled all classes before noon, then later announced classes will be closed for the day.
U of U ALERT: Due to severe weather and power outages ALL classes are cancelled today (9/8).More info at https://t.co/JtqSONhkbY.
— University of Utah (@UUtah) September 8, 2020
Campus is closed and classes are canceled until noon today due to high winds, debris, and power outages. We will update mid-morning.
— Westminster College (@WestminsterSLC) September 8, 2020
Due to high winds classes on all Weber State University campuses, classes are canceled until noon.
Phone lines are down on campus. We’ll provide additional information and updates about afternoon classes as the day goes on.
— Weber State University (@WeberStateU) September 8, 2020
UPDATE: All classes, include online, are a canceled for the day.
— Weber State University (@WeberStateU) September 8, 2020
Road Restrictions
The high winds also affected travel. UDOT placed restrictions on most of the freeways across the Wasatch Front. Also affected on Tuesday was I-80 near Evanston. Winter weather conditions and high winds closed I-80 in both directions at the Wyoming state line.
“We’ve had several semis blown over — three on Legacy Parkway, two earlier in Box Elder County, as well as several others as well,” UDOT spokesman John Gleason told KSL NewsRadio. “There’s an issue out there right now with the huge wind gusts. We’re seeing gusts up to 80 miles per hour and we could expect even heavier winds as we head into the rest of the morning.”
Gleason recommended if there is any flexibility in your schedule to try and remain inside, but if you need to travel, to keep both hands on the wheel and watch out for debris on the roadway.
“We’re asking everybody that’s out on the road today just to pay attention and make sure that you’re aware of the situation,” he continued.
ALERT: We are restricting semi travel in Box Elder, Weber and Davis counties after a number have blown over due to the high winds in the area. We also have several trees and low power lines partially blocking highways & interstates in the area.
— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) September 8, 2020
The pictures below are from I-15 in Box Elder County. Expect delays. Semi-travel is restricted. Avoid the area if you can. pic.twitter.com/VYZyXKHKja
— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) September 8, 2020
There are numerous closures on I-15 from Salt Lake County north to the Idaho boarder. Plan for delays. Avoid the area if possible. If you’re stuck in traffic, do not exit your vehicle due to flying debris. And, avoid parking alongside high profile vehicles.
— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) September 8, 2020
Snow
Not only was there lots of wind across northern Utah, but some areas of the state also saw their first snow of the season.
Park City has had snow from the early morning hours— look at the snow along side of road. pic.twitter.com/GeqCdedCxT
— Grant Weyman (@KSLweyman) September 8, 2020
Arctic storm system to bring high winds and cold temps to northern Utah
