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Sam Penrod ReportingUtahns woke up to a feeling this morning that their address was now the north pole. A big snow storm and some very cold arctic area has settled over the Wasatch Front.
In Alpine there was as much as a foot of snow. Other areas averaged about eight inches. And to make matters worse, the temperature this morning was in the single digits. Even with unusually cold temperatures, it wasn't cold enough to keep elementary students from playing in the first snow of the season.
We found Anita Woodard clearing the walks and letting her 18-month old son Riley, play in the snow for the first time ever.
Anita Woodard: "It's his first winter and he's having a blast in it. I actually like this snow. I hope it stays for Christmas."
But it is the cold temperatures she can do without.
Anita Woodard: "My heater is going out; the furnace guy is coming today for it."
And as shocking as a single digit morning low can be, this winter weather really caused a shocking event. Justin Englebright and his family woke up early this morning to giant sparks shooting from a power line.
Justin Englebright, Highland Resident: "We had a power line down in front of our house. It was exploding, smoke, flames...pretty impressive."
In all, more than 1000 homes in Northern Utah County had no electricity for several hours this morning. In Alpine there was so much snow homeowners had no choice but to dig out their driveways and shovel the walks before leaving for work or school.
Some homes are already covered in icicles, a pretty sight during the holidays, but clearly a sign that winter is here. And if we think it is cold now, we should point out that winter does not officially arrive for another two weeks.
