Arctic storm system: High wind warning issued for northern Utah with gusts up to 75 mph

SALT LAKE CITY — Secure your outdoor belongings now: high winds with gusts of up to 75 mph are heading to Utah as an Arctic storm system moves through late Monday night, according to the National Weather Service's Salt Lake City office. Property damage and power outages may be possible.

The downslope wind storm is expected to bring strong crosswinds along I-15 in Davis, Weber and northern Salt Lake counties. Crosswinds could also impact U.S. 89 and Legacy Parkway, according to the NWS. High winds should move in around midnight on Monday and continue through noon Tuesday, with a lull in the afternoon before winds pick up again Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Gusts of up to 75 mph could hit near Farmington, Centerville and the mouth of Weber Canyon. Salt Lake Valley could see 25-30 mph winds with gusts of up to 60 mph. The Layton Fire Department issued a warning for residents to prepare for damaged structures, trees and power lines, and urged them to prepare their yards and home in advance. Bountiful City also warned of strong winds and encouraged individuals to check the U.S. National Weather Service-Salt Lake City Facebook page for the latest information.

Residents should secure all their outdoor belongings including trampolines, decorations and other items that could be knocked over by wind. Utah Highway Patrol also said that drivers with campers should be off the road by the time the windstorm moves in.

The NWS Situation Report notes that this storm is especially strong for this time of the year, and individuals should prepare for record colds.

The storm will bring a cold front and temperatures are expected to drop by around 26 degrees across Utah, with near-blizzard conditions across the Uintah Mountains and snow expected for the Wasatch Plateau and southwest Wyoming.

The National Weather Service confirmed that record-low temperatures are expected Tuesday through Wednesday with the wind and a hard freeze is expected for vegetation. Monday night through Wednesday, mountain rain and valley snow are forecast with strong probability, though some uncertainty remains on the precipitation type, amount, and duration. Rain is likely in all locations to start, including lower areas of western Colorado and possibly eastern Utah, the NWS's Situation Report states. Snow is probable in areas above 9,000 feet, and may mix in at elevations of 7,000 feet.

Downslope windstorms occur when cold, dense air is pushed against a slope, creating an accelerating, and sometimes dangerous, wind at the bottom, opposite side of the slope. In Utah, the cold, dense air is on the east side of the Wasatch mountains, according to the NWS.

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