High wind warning issued for Utah, Salt Lake valleys as storm causes power outages

SALT LAKE CITY — The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for Utah Valley and Salt Lake Valley Saturday evening, and lightning forced the delays of multiple events. The department's Salt Lake City office said wind gusts exceeding 60 mph were possible. Initially, the warning was issued only for Utah Valley, but was expanded to Salt Lake as severe weather rolled in. Those conditions led to the closure and evacuation of the Redwest Country Music Festival in Salt Lake City.

The High Wind Warning has been expanded to the Salt Lake Valley, in effect through 9 PM. https://t.co/UWmKROSLfW — NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) October 12, 2025

The warning was set in place until 9 p.m. on Saturday. Lighting also forced the delay of pregame activities at Rice Eccles Stadium for the University of Utah's matchup against Arizona State. "Fans are encouraged to stay where you are and seek shelter. Text UTAH to 78015 for updates," Utah Athletics said. "Fans who are outside the stadium, with tickets, are encouraged to enter the stadium to seek shelter on the concourse or return to your vehicles." The school announced just before 8 p.m. that the lightning threat had passed, and it was safe for fans to return. Jona Whitesides with Rocky Mountain Power said multiple power outages were caused by the storm, possibly by wind or downed trees. He said crews were on standby to help with weather concerns. Rocky Mountain Power said outages were affecting 5,352 customers in Salt Lake City and surrounding areas. It later announced 2,905 of those customers had their power restored within a few hours. "We are working to make repairs to our facilities and restore your services as soon as possible. As a safety reminder, please treat all downed wires as live and dangerous," the company said.

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