Salt Lake City, UT – Strong and potentially disruptive winds are impacting Salt Lake City and much of northern Utah Thursday, prompting a Wind Advisory as gusts reach damaging levels in both valley and mountain locations.
According to the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, the Wind Advisory remains in effect until 5 p.m. MST Thursday for the Salt Lake Valley, Northern Wasatch Front, Cache Valley, Bear River Valley, and surrounding areas. In valley locations, west winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour are expected, with gusts reaching up to 55 mph.
Stronger winds are occurring in higher terrain, particularly in the Wasatch Mountains north of Interstate 80 and the Bear River Range, where west winds of 25 to 35 mph are producing gusts exceeding 70 mph. Forecasters say peak winds are occurring ahead of and along a frontal passage between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The advisory includes Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Sandy, Bountiful, Ogden, Logan, Brigham City, and surrounding communities. Winds are expected to shift from southwesterly to westerly through the early afternoon before gradually diminishing later Thursday.
In eastern Utah, a separate Wind Advisory remains in effect for the Western Uinta Basin, including Duchesne and Roosevelt, until 11 p.m. MST Thursday. Gusts there may also reach up to 55 mph.
Officials warn that gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects, damage holiday decorations, and result in isolated power outages. Travel may be difficult for high-profile vehicles and vehicles towing trailers, especially on north-south oriented roadways.
Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, use caution while driving, and monitor local conditions. Additional travel impacts may be reported through the Utah Department of Transportation as winds persist through the day.
