CEDAR CITY, Utah - Another winter storm is expected to hit Southern Utah this weekend and bring several inches of fresh snow.
Utah Department of Transportation road crews have been resting up since the last one hit less than a week ago. Close to a foot of snow fell in Cedar City during that storm. Most of it is gone now, which UDOT says will greatly help efforts to keep streets clear this weekend.
“We ensure all of the snow plows are in good working order, that they’re all ready to go,” said Jim McConnell, UDOT region four west engineer.
Forecasts predict several more inches of snow. McConnell says late winter storms present different challenges for motorists. Instead of ice on the roadways, slush will slow cars down.
“The slush has a tendency to pull a vehicle off the road,” McConnell said. “So we’ve seen a lot of slide off accidents because of slush and snow on the road.”
Residents in Cedar City are already bracing themselves; many say they plan to simply stay inside.
“I think it’s manageable, it’s just unpredictable,” said Amanda Salgado. “It’s pretty hard to tell when it’s going to snow.”
“I’ll be ready for it,” SUU student Omar Tareg said. “Just wear a couple jackets and sleep in my bed. That will be my weekend, not even going to the bars or anything.”
UDOT said the best advise is avoid travel until roads are clear. But if you are heading out on those roads, make sure you plan ahead, give yourself plenty of time, and always wear a seat belt.
