Snow is on its ways to northern Utah valleys, could impact Thanksgiving travel

SALT LAKE CITY— The wait is finally over for the valley, snow is on its way, marking the first measurable snowfall of the season for many areas along the Wasatch Front.

KSL Meteorologist Matt Johnson said the storm will likely begin as a mix of rain and snow Thursday afternoon, stretching from the Utah/Idaho border to about Utah County.

However, later Thanksgiving night, Johnson said it’ll turn over to mostly snow and will stretch as far as central and southern Utah.

Come Friday afternoon, the storm will have passed, leading to a dry commute on Saturday and Sunday.

Salt Lake City is one of just several cities expecting their first measurable snowfall with this storm. On average, Utah’s capital city sees its first measurable snowfall by Nov. 8.

Plan your trip accordingly

Johnson said Thursday night into Friday morning is going to be the most troublesome for some Utah drivers, especially those traveling along I-15 from Fillmore to Beaver.

This area notoriously gets major backups and whiteout snow largely because some areas along that stretch are near or above 6,000 feet above sea level. Johnson also noted that the ‘backbone’ of Utah’s mountains doesn’t shield that stretch,

“You’ve got colder temperatures, the snow is more likely to stick,” Johnson said. “Thursday night and Friday morning, definitely avoid that [area] if you can.”

Johnson said the best days to drive home from Thanksgiving gatherings will be Saturday and Sunday since the storm is expected to end Friday afternoon. For people heading out Wednesday, they should see very few problems on the roads, at least when it comes to weather.

People living between Davis County and the Idaho border, including Logan, should prepare to see strong wind gusts Thursday night into Friday morning as well.

Johnson said gusts could reach 35 to 60 mph, depending on the area.

Related: UTA’s Ski Bus service starts this weekend for Salt Lake County

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