SALT LAKE CITY — Happy Tuesday, everyone! A snowstorm is expected to hit us tonight, bringing with it some significant changes! It will be windy across the state ahead of the system. However, in the western part of the state, mostly along and west of I-15, a "High Wind Warning" is now in place and will last until this evening.
Winds in the Tooele and Rush Valleys may reach 70 mph, while winds in the Salt Lake Valley may reach 60 mph. Strong winds from the south might cause severe crosswinds on east-west roads, as well as flying dust. Because severe wind advisories last into the evening, secure any unsecured things.
The strong wind advisories for Tooele and Salt Lake County will be in effect until 6 p.m.
Wet weather has started to trickle in as we've progressed into the afternoon. As the cold front pushes through, we'll see rain spread over the state from the afternoon until evening. Because it's so warm outdoors due to the strong southerly flow, we'll start with valley rain and mountain snow. Today's highs will be more than 10 degrees above average, with the mid-50s in Salt Lake City and upper 50s in St. George.
As cold air sweeps in swiftly behind the front, valley showers will transition to valley snow overnight. At times, heavy rain might fall tonight and tomorrow early. Be aware that this might result in hazardous driving conditions on Wednesday early. Winter Storm Warnings are issued at higher elevations, whereas "Winter Weather Advisories" are issued for lowlands and mountain valleys.
Mountains will be well-served, with most receiving 10 inches of snow; however, in the southern mountains and Cottonwoods, 20 inches is probable, with an isolated two-foot accumulation conceivable. Mountain valleys will receive 4-9 inches of rain, benches will receive 3-7 inches of rain, the Salt Lake Valley will likely receive 2-5 inches of rain, and valleys will receive 1-6 inches of rain in general.
In most places, isolated snow will be possible through dawn, but as the storm moves away, the possibility for precipitation will reduce. Most of the snow will be limited to the mountains by the afternoon. It will be a considerably cooler day across the state, with Salt Lake City battling to get above freezing, and the wind chill will make it seem even worse. Highs will struggle to reach the 40s in the south. Another system will arrive from the northwest as we head into Wednesday night. Parts of central and northern Utah will get more snowfall as a result of this. It won't be as powerful as the system tonight, but there will most certainly be more accumulations.
What's the bottom line? Strong winds are expected early in the day, followed by valley rain and mountain snow later in the day, then valley snow overnight!
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