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SALT LAKE CITY -- A fast-moving storm swept into Utah Monday afternoon, bringing with it gusty winds, lightning, thunder and snow.
The storm proved especially problematic for drivers in Tooele County. Seventy mph wind gusts hit about 20 miles from Wendover on Interstate 80. Five tractor trailers were blown over in a 9-mile stretch, and a camper was blown off a pickup truck in the same area.
The area is notorious for high winds, but even Utah Highway Patrol troopers were impressed by the strength of this storm.
"It's really flat out there, so when the winds pick up the semis will blow over," said trooper Clint Fawson. "But at the rate these blew over, with in that short time span, this doesn't happen very often."
While the winds calmed as the evening went on. While truck traffic was restricted for a couple of hours, troopers are encouraging people -- especially commercial truck drivers -- to wait out the storm if they can.
"It's a lonely, straight stretch. And if you've got time to wait out the wind storm, please wait it out," Fawson said.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory Monday for many areas long the Wasatch Front, including Salt Lake and Utah counties.
Although snow accumulations will be fairly minimal -- anywhere from 1 to 3 inches -- the storm is expected to cause slick or snow-packed roads, particularly in Utah County, according to the weather service.
The weather advisory remains in effect until 4 a.m. Tuesday.
CLICK HERE to see the complete forecast.
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Story written with contributions from Sam Penrod and Amy Joi O'Donoghue.
