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WASATCH FRONT -- Ominous-looking dark clouds rolled into the Salt Lake Valley Tuesday afternoon, and by Tuesday night they delivered. Heavy, white flakes fell in the canyons and on the benches, bringing with them a lot of problems for drivers.
Driving was downright treacherous, especially in the mountains. Interstate 80 in Parley's Canyon went between heavy snow and a whiteout conditions around 10 p.m. The higher up the canyon, the more the snow was falling.
Provo Canyon was really a problem for motorists. There was at least one rollover and several slide-offs, and portions of the canyon were closed.
Both Big and Little Cottonwood canyons were snowpacked and slick as well. Only four-wheel drive vehicles or tires with snow chains were allowed up those canyons.
Snow plows were on standby in Salt Lake City and many surrounding communities Tuesday night.
"We're on schedule and expecting it to be another busy year," said Lisa Harrison Smith, spokeswoman for the Salt Lake City Mayor's Office.
Some agencies, including the Utah Department of Transportation, have had to ask for additional funding to keep plows running in years with surprise early or late storms.
Salt Lake City didn't have to do that; but due to budget cuts and some layoffs, administrators have had to make changes.
"We had to relocate different people into different areas," Smith said.
We are tracking this winter storm and will bring you more information on road conditions as soon as they are available.
Stay with ksl.com, KSL TV and KSL Newsradio 102.7 FM/1160 AM for the latest updates.
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Story written with contributions from Sarah Dallof.
