Hurricane-force winds lead to school closures, power outages, significant damage along Wasatch Front
By: David Wells
SALT LAKE CITY — A hurricane-force windstorm caused significant damage, power outages and forced the closure of schools in several districts along the Wasatch Front Tuesday morning. Salt Lake City officials eventually declared a State of Emergency due to all the damage caused by the powerful winds.
Centerville Police announced Mayor Clark Wilkinson also signed a declaration of emergency due to widespread damage in the city.
As of 4:00 p.m., Rocky Mountain Power reports more than 174,000 outages in northern Utah. Click here for details on the outages.
According to NWS, gusts of 74 mph or greater are considered hurricane-force winds.
Hurricane-force winds have been recorded in Farmington, Centerville, Layton, Willard, Brigham City, Salt Lake City and at Logan Peak Tuesday.
SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS AND DELAYS:
• Cache County School District – School delayed by two hours.
• Cache County School District – School canceled for the day at these five schools:
◦ Cedar Ridge Elementary
◦ Greenville Elementary
◦ North Park Elementary
◦ South Cache Elementary
◦ Lincoln Elementary
• Davis School District – All classes canceled for the day.
• Highmarks Charter School – All classes canceled for the day.
• Ogden School District – All classes canceled for the day.
• Salt Lake City School District – All classes canceled for the day.
• University of Utah – All classes canceled for the day.
• Weber School District – All classes canceled for the day.
• Weber State University – All classes canceled for the day.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
The Utah Highway Patrol restricted travel for semitrailers in Davis, Ogden Counties “after a number have blown over due to the high winds in the area.”
A UHP spokesman said over 36 semitrailers blew over in the three counties.
UHP also reports there are trees and low power lines blocking highways and interstates in some areas.
“There are numerous closures on I-15 from Salt Lake County north to the Idaho boarder. Plan for delays. Avoid the area if possible. If you’re stuck in traffic, do not exit your vehicle due to flying debris. And, avoid parking alongside high profile vehicles,” a tweet from UHP said.
PARKS REMAIN CLOSED
The following Salt Lake City parks will remain closed until further notice due to fallen trees:
• Cottonwood
• Fairmont
• Liberty
• Lindsay Gardens
• Pioneer
• Riverside
• Rosewood
• Sunnyside
• Warm Springs
• Jordan
• Washington Square
• City Creek Canyon
• Salt Lake City Cemetery
TRAX CLOSED
The TRAX system is not operating due to the loss of electrical power in certain areas, as well as power lines and debris that have fallen on the tracks.
CAPITOL BUILDING CLOSED
The high winds and dangerous conditions have forced the closure of the Capitol building to all state employees on Tuesday. Employees are being told to stay home and safe.
HOGLE ZOO CLOSED
The Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City is closed Tuesay due to the winds. It’s not known if the zoo was damaged during the storm.
TOPPLED TREE HELP FOR SALT LAKE CITY RESIDENTS
From the Salt Lake City Government Twitter account: “Salt Lake City residents can call 801-972-7818 for City-owned trees that have fallen on houses, power lines or cars. City-owned trees are those planted in park strips, medians, parks, and on other City property.”
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