Storm kicks up havoc on Utah roads

Slick roads, fog and light snow plagued Wasatch Front motorists Monday, with over 100 crashes — one fatal — and minor fender-benders reported on Utah highways.

This morning looks to bring much of the same.

With roads still wet late Monday and more snowfall likely, weather forecasters are predicting slick roads for commuters this morning. Fog in Cache and Davis counties may also contribute to a poor drive to work.

"People need to be careful," said Dave Sanders, lead forecaster for the National Weather Service. "Tomorrow morning is going to be a real major problem, especially for the people that get out early."

One fatal accident was reported Monday — possibly because of the weather, a spokesman with the United Fire Authority said. Over a dozen minor injuries were also caused by weather-related crashes, according to Wade Breur with the Utah Highway Patrol.

Davis County had 30 to 40 crashes during peak commute times, and extra troopers were called out to assist motorists.

"It sounds like it's speed too fast for conditions," said Breur. "The roads were still wet when the sun went down, and it's a little deceptive. When they hit those icy spots, it's a little too late."

While weather forecasters are predicting slick roads, light snow and temperatures lingering near 20 degrees today, temperatures look to rise throughout the week, peaking at 40 degrees by Saturday. Southern Utah could be hit by some rain, said Sanders, but the Wasatch Front looks to be dry.

Monday's snowfall was the largest single snowstorm of the season, dropping light-density snow on communities north of Salt Lake City.

Salt Lake International Airport received 7 inches of snow, Bountiful and Layton each received 8 inches of snow, Clearfield residents shoveled 7 1/2 inches and North Salt Lake had 7 inches. South of the capital city, Sandy had 5 1/2 inches and South Jordan saw 5 inches of snow. Draper ridge residents had 8 inches, and Alta and Snowbird ski resorts received around 18 inches.

The storm moved through northern Utah on Sunday evening and Monday, dropping 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour overnight Sunday and Monday morning in some places, said Andrew Church, a forecaster with the National Weather Service.