Near-record snowstorm causes havoc across Utah

One of the biggest winter storms to hit Utah in recent years has arrived, with most areas projected to see up to a foot of snow. Residents are being advised to stay home if they can as hazardous driving conditions will be found on roadways through Thursday.

TRACK THE STORM: Get real-time storm information by downloading the FREE Utah Weather Authority app

Here's the very latest on news surrounding the storm:

Thu., FEBRUARY 23

8:45 a.m.

Utah Transit Authority warns recreators that ski delays could exceed one hour due to conditions in the canyons.

Little Cottonwood Canyon opens again after avalanche mitigation is completed by crews. Officials say drivers should expect traffic

8:20 a.m.

UDOT reports they're working to repair potholes caused by the storm on I-15 from 30th street to 12th street in Ogden.

A portion of the backcountry near the Emma ridge into Grizz will be closed today at UDOT works on avalanche mitigation.

6:30 a.m.

It's going to be another frigid day across Utah with some light snow across the northern areas of the state and heavier snow in the central and southern mountains. Watch the full weather forecast for the day here.

6:00 a.m.

FOX 13's April Baker is out in Salt Lake County looking at massive piles of snow along the road and talking about school closures/delays for the day.

5:30 a.m.

More Utah schools and districts call for virtual learning days and delayed start days as people continue to clear up snow from roads and school property. Latest info on school closures/delays here.

WED., FEBRUARY 22

7:00 p.m.

Tooele County School District has announced that all schools will have a virtual learning day Thursday

4:10 p.m.

The Utah Highway Patrol says there has been 230 crashes since the storm began.

2:45 p.m.

The numbers are official, this snowstorm has been a record doozy. Based on 2-day totals, the 16.9 inches of snow measured at the airport makes it the second-snowiest February storm in Salt Lake City history and the ninth largest in any month in history.

Park City Mountain reported 23 inches of snowfall in 24 hours, the biggest 24-hour snowfall total the resort has seen in at least 10 years.

1:15 p.m.

Forget Alta, Snowbird and Park City, the best slopes in Utah today are on Capitol Hill! A great mix of powder and politics! (📷: Ben Winslow)

12:00 p.m.

Two semis have crashed and rolled over, closing I-15 northbound near Nephi. The northbound lanes are closed at milepost 222 and traffic is being diverted through Nephi.

11:27 a.m.

Delays continue on TRAX and Frontrunner trains. UTA says riders should expect delays between 30 minutes and two hours on FrontRunner and 45 minutes on TRAX.

10:40 a.m.

The National Weather Service says blizzard or blizzard-like conditions are being reported throughout the Salt Lake Valley, especially in the southern parts of Salt Lake County. Very low visibility outside, and experts continue to recommend staying inside.

10:36 a.m.

Utah Highway Patrol shuts down I-15 Northbound in Nephi between mileposts 225 and 228. They suggest drivers follow detours that are in place and give no estimated reopening time

10:23 a.m.

Rocky Mountain Power reports crews are still working to repair outages caused by the storm. "It will take time to assess damage, make repairs and restore power due to the extent of the damage. Some customers may experience multiple outages or extended outages." Less than 1,000 people are experiencing an outage in Utah, according to the RMP outage map.

10:00 a.m.

State Road 210 in Little Cottonwood Canyon is now open for traffic, but traction laws are in effect. UDOT says to expect uphill travel delays and be prepared for snowy road conditions.

9:00 a.m.

FOX 13 News catches up with an owner and dog who were seen playing outside in the snow. You may dread having to shovel and drive in the fresh snow, but this dog was having the best snow day ever!

8:30 a.m.

University of Utah announces in-person classes for Wednesday will move online. Latest info on school closures/delays here.

7:50 a.m.

The Utah Avalanche Center reports avalanche danger across nearly ALL Utah mountains is "considerable" with the new snow.

Utah Avalanche Center

7:40 a.m.

Rangers at Zion National Park report white conditions near the tunnel, with treacherous conditions on SR-9 between St. George and Springdale. SR-9 in Zion National Park will be closed until further notice.

7:30 a.m.

The Utah Department of Transportation speaks to FOX 13 News about road conditions and trouble spots on the road Wednesday morning. They ask that if it's possible to stay home, Utahns should consider working from home and staying off the roads.

7:20 a.m.

Utah Transit Authority warns riders to expect delays of up to an hour in both directions for TRAX trains due to the weather.

Frontrunner trains systemwide are also delayed by about an hour in both directions due to the weather.

UTA Ski Buses are also dealing with delays of up to two hours.

7:00 a.m.

Even more school districts, private/charter schools and universities have called for delayed starts this morning or remote learning days. Latest info on school closures/delays here.

6:45 a.m.

Utah Highway Patrol reports they've responded to 110-120 crashes since the storm started Tuesday night and close to 45-50 crashes Wednesday morning. There's no major problem areas but there have been a plethora of slide-offs and crashes. No major injuries reported in any of the crashes and no roads are closed currently. Closures in Provo Canyon opened at about 2 a.m.

The Salt Lake City International Airport reports that 19 outbound flights have been cancelled and 20 outbound flights have been delayed. Frontier and Spirit have cancelled their morning departures and Southwest is experiencing a lot of cancellations as well. Passengers are asked to check with their airline regarding flight status.

6:40 a.m.

FOX 13's April Baker is out in the snow, measuring snowfall and also giving tips on how to stay safe if you have to go out today.

6:05 a.m.

FOX 13's Scott McKane is in the Big O Tires Weather Beast this morning monitoring road conditions around northern Utah.

6:00 a.m.

Utah's Weather Authority Damon Yauney says to expect heavy snow at times this morning. Temperatures won't even climb above freezing Wednesday, so with more snow expected, roads could be slick and icy most of the day. In addition, very strong winds will blow through parts of Southern Utah this morning. Stay home if you can!

Most snow will taper off by this evening. Another storm is expected across Southern Utah tomorrow.

5:45 a.m.

A portion of Interstate 80 is closed due to snow. Drivers should avoid westbound lanes of from Terminal Dr to Wright Brothers.

5:30 a.m.

Much of Utah makes up to even more fresh snow after a full night of storms. Even more school districts and universities call for remote learning days or snow days for Wednesday. Latest info on school closures/delays here.

Tuesday, February 21

11:05 p.m.

Meteorologist Allison Croghan gives the latest forecast for Tuesday night here.

11:00 p.m.

Several school districts, including SLC and other Salt Lake area districts, announce shift to online classes on Wednesday. Latest info on school closures/delays here.

10:00 p.m.

UDOT announces US-189 (Provo Canyon) is closed between Vivian Park & Canyon Glen Park "until further notice due to high avalanche risk."

8:48 p.m.

The Salt Lake City International Airport had 21 canceled flights and 4 delays.

8:26 p.m.

Canyons School District announces it will conduct remote learning on Wednesday. Latest school closures/delays here.

7:45 p.m.

Utah Highway Patrol reports that troopers have responded to 98 crashes so far on Tuesday.

6:32 p.m.

Box Elder and Provo school districts announce delayed start for Wednesday morning.

4:42 p.m.

FOX 13 News meteorologist Brek Bolton is in the Big O Tires Weather Beast checking out conditions across Utah on Tuesday afternoon.

3:38 p.m.

Video from Logan on Tuesday afternoon shows the campus of Utah State University getting the brunt of the storm (📷: Anna Johnson)

3:30 p.m.

All Salt Lake County library branches will close early at 5 p.m. Tuesday because of the storm. A decision about Wednesday's operating hours will be made in the early morning.

3:20 p.m.

The Utah House and Senate will be delayed an hour on Wednesday, with sessions beginning at 9 a.m.

3:18 p.m.

Eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 west of Tremonton is closed due to multiple accidents and slide-offs. Sardine Canyon has also closed its southbound lanes due to multiple accidents.

2:42 p.m.

Gov. Spencer Cox is encouraging residents who are able to work remotely on Wednesday to do so.

2:35 p.m.

Best Friends Animal Society has tips on how to keep your pets safe during large storms such as this week's event.

1:54 p.m.

The University of Utah is advising its faculty to move Tuesday evening and Wednesday classes online, and also work remotely if possible.

All essential university functions will remain open, as well as the university's health care system and hospitals.

1:45 p.m.

Watch LIVE road conditions across Utah below.

10 a.m.

The traction law is now in effect for both Big & Little Cottonwood canyons.