Winter-like weather causes problems for commuters

SALT LAKE CITY — A wet cold front bringing rain, snow and colder temperatures to the Wasatch Front made for a messy commute in some areas.

A semi-truck lost control and tipped onto its side on northbound I-15 near 2100 South about 4:20 a.m. Tuesday. Three lanes of traffic were closed, said Utah Highway Patrol Cpl. Todd Johnson, causing backup just in time for the morning commute, and forcing the closure of the ramp from westbound I-80 to northbound I-15.

There were no reports of serious injuries. The truck was reportedly hauling some sort of plastic materials, Johnson said.

The Utah Department of Transportation tweeted about 7:20 a.m. the accident was cleared. But UDOT also reported 500 South was closed at State Street in downtown Salt Lake City due to a malfunctioning traffic light, causing more traffic delays.

KSL meteorologist Grant Weyman said snow levels could drop to 7000 feet Tuesday with accumulations in the mountains of up to a foot. The rain and snow was predicted to pick up again Tuesday afternoon, and again on Wednesday.

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