The lake effect snow hounds the area, putting the Utah-Arizona border at risk of dangerous springtime winter weather.
The springtime winter weather on Tuesday prompted a winter storm warning that initially covered the Utah-Idaho border to the Utah-Arizona border, though it was later modified. This is shaping up to be a historic April event.
Due to hazardous driving conditions coupled with widespread snow that is only forecast to intensify throughout the morning, the 2News Weather Team has issued its second consecutive First Alert Weather day.
Lake Effect Snow at 8 Inches, 6 AM
For cities in the Tooele and Salt Lake Valleys, another 4 to 8 inches of snow was predicted to fall on top of the 4 inches that had already fallen overnight.
It's unusual for late-season snow to cause problems with the morning commute, but the probable historic springtime snowstorm is only forecast to intensify throughout Tuesday morning.
The Utah Department of Transportation has advised motorists to avoid morning travel.
As the bullseye inched closer towards the Wasatch Mountain Range, the storm went through the early morning battering the west portion of the valley. Several school districts, colleges, and private schools have decided to postpone classes, switch to remote learning, or cancel classes for the day due to overnight lows, lake-enhanced snow, and serious commute concerns.
Windchill, Slick Roads, Winter Weather
Given the worsening road conditions, drivers who leave early for their commute should plan for their drive times to double and their speeds to be cut in half.
As UDOT plow drivers focus on the busiest roads, it might be difficult to leave some neighborhoods.
Along the Wasatch Front, fresh overnight snow has also been sticking as the temperature dropped below freezing.
The previous record-lowest daytime high in Salt Lake City was 37 degrees, in 1918. The 2News Weather Team predicts that Salt Lake City will actually tie-and possibly even surpass-that mark.
Winter Storm Warning
The Tooele and Rush Valleys, Utah Valley, and Salt Lake Valley are under a Winter Storm Warning from the Salt Lake City National Weather Service that will last until 6 PM MDT tonight.
These regions are predicted to receive a lot of snow, with localized snowfalls of up to 12 inches on benches, and 8 on the valley floor.
Travelers should exercise caution because winter driving conditions are predicted, and weather experts advise keeping extra food, a flashlight, and water in the car just in case. Both Tuesday's evening and morning commutes will be impacted by accumulating snow, The Weather Channel reports.
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Avalanche Warning
A backcountry avalanche warning has been issued by the Forest Service's Utah Avalanche Center in Salt Lake City, and it will be in effect from Tuesday at 6 AM MDT to Wednesday at 6 AM MDT.
The Bear River Range, Wasatch Range, and Uinta Mountains are among the mountain ranges in northern Utah to southeast Idaho where there will be a high risk of avalanches today, according to the service.
According to the Service, recent heavy snowfall and drifting have resulted in numerous areas of unstable snow. Avalanches that are both naturally occurring and caused by people are likely. Avalanche runouts and backcountry avalanche terrain should be avoided by people. Avoid going on or under slopes that are steeper than 30 degrees, AccuWeather reports.
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