Storm expected to hit hard, fast

A powerful winter storm is expected to bring high winds and new snow to much of the state this morning.

The storm could bring 4 inches to the valley floor, 10 inches along the benches and more than a foot to the mountain areas, according to the National Weather Service.

"Right now we've got a pretty strong storm system in California and Oregon," Weather Service forecaster Mike Seaman said Sunday evening. "Once that front gets here, we should see a band of pretty heavy snow. Until then, we're going to see some pretty strong winds."

The Weather Service forecast wind speeds in excess of 60 mph, which could cause some damage to trees and power lines.

Forecasters expected scattered rain showers Sunday night, turning into snow by about 8 a.m. today.

Most of the storm should hit by 10 a.m. and the snow should let up around noon, Seaman said.

After a snowstorm caused nearly 300 crashes on Utah's roadways last Monday, this morning's storm might not cause as much trouble for commuters, officials said.

"That front was stalling across Utah," Seaman said. "This one is going to come through pretty rapidly."

Flash flooding is possible in parts of southern Utah, according to the Weather Service.

The Utah Avalanche Center has issued a warning for the mountains around Logan, Ogden, Salt Lake, Park City and Provo.

Another storm is expected to hit the Wasatch Front late Tuesday night and continue through Wednesday, Seaman said.

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