ST. GEORGE, Utah - An overnight snowstorm brought much needed moisture to southern Utah, and blanketed St. George in several inches of snow.
It’s a fairly uncommon occurrence in the valley, so residents woke up a little surprised.
Road crews went to work early clearing the streets. City spokesman Marc Mortensen said UDOT also helped clear major roadways, since St. George only owns one snowplow.
Overall, Mortensen said the city officials believe they managed fairly well.
“It’s a welcome sight,” Mortensen said. “But it also creates some problems.”
Law enforcement responded to a few minor crashes. One knocked out power to about 1,000 customers around 4:30 a.m.
Mortensen said crews restored power just before 7 a.m. Road crews focused their efforts on bridges, where ice forms quickly.
“Around the first of January we received two deicers for our one ton pickup trucks,” Mortensen said. “We were thinking we probably wouldn’t end up using them this year, and due to this storm, it was a good test run for us.”
The snowfall did cause delayed school buses in some areas.
Residents say the late February storm was definitely unexpected.
“I don’t know what to think,” said resident Dylan Jones. “It always catches you off guard.”
While only a few inches fell in St George, in Cedar City, there’s more than a foot in some places with the potential for more. Residents say it’s a bit of a hassle to adapt to driving in the snow, but say it’s also a beautiful sight.
“It really is wonderful,” said Dawna Borchert, who was out early with her camera. “The red rock, the palm trees with the snow on it. It’s really spectacular.”
Winter storm advisories remain in effect for the higher elevations, including Cedar City, where residents could expect to see snow into Tuesday.
