Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — A snowstorm passing through northern Utah resulted in slick roads and traffic delays on Wednesday.
Utah Highway Patrol troopers responded to a total of 98 crashes in Salt Lake and Utah counties from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., the agency tweeted. UHP investigated 166 reportable crashed, the agency said in a statement Wednesday night.
"A little better than (the) last storm, but we can do better, folks. Give yourself more following distance, avoid getting in a hurry and ensure your tires have the necessary tread to keep you safe," Utah Highway Patrol officials tweeted.
Utah Department of Transportation traffic cameras showed one of the vehicle incidents was a UDOT snowplow that lost its plow on southbound I-15 in Draper near the Point of the Mountain about 11 a.m.
The incident briefly closed an HOV lane and another left lane while crews reattached the plow to the truck.
Here's a look at the report of the plow that came off of the snowplow along I-15 at the point of the mountain. Crews definitely have their work cut out for them today. @kslnewsradiopic.twitter.com/ubuWye4b03
— Rikki Meece (@KSLRikki) December 12, 2018
However, the crashes continued later into the day. At 3:35 p.m. UHP tweeted they were handling three or four different crashes on U.S. Highway 40 near Park City because of blowing snow. The agency warned of delays and urged caution driving in the area because of the conditions.
KSL Traffic Center reported that the crashes and snowy conditions were leading to delays across the Wasatch Front.
Crashes popping up all over Salt Lake County now that the snow has settled in, along with multiple wrecks in Davis Co earlier. Most appear to be minor so far, but most come from people going too fast & losing control. pic.twitter.com/qgMDydssqu
— KSL Traffic Center (@KSLTraffic) December 12, 2018
Four-wheel drive or chains are required for motorists driving through Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, Unified Canyon Alerts tweeted out Wednesday morning. Four-wheel drive or chains are also required for all vehicles traveling east on I-80 through Parleys Canyon, UDOT officials said.
The storm was forecasted to drop 1-3 inches of snow throughout northern Utah valleys, 3-5 inches of snow in Utah’s benches, and more in the mountains Wednesday morning and into the afternoon, according to KSL Weather.
Drivers were advised to slow down on the roads as snow piles up.
So. Many. Crashes.
— KSL Traffic Center (@KSLTraffic) December 12, 2018
Make SURE you are leaving space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Also, beware changing lanes at high speed with snow drifts between lanes. Very easy to lose control. Drive safely!
