On Tuesday, September 8th a cold front pushed into Utah and much of the west bringing hurricane-force winds that toppled Semi Trucks. The Utah Highway Patrol reported a record 45 overturned trucks in the greater Salt Lake area. There were multiple road closures stretching from Salt Lake City to the Idaho border.
“If you’re stuck in traffic, do not exit your vehicle due to flying debris. And, avoid parking alongside high profile vehicles.”
– Utah Highway Patrol
More than 170,000 homes and businesses lost power due to downed power lines in Utah. Wyoming had about 10,000 residents without power plus another 3,000 in southern Idaho according to Rocky Mountain Power. Residents were told it could be up to 72 hours before power was restored. The city was littered with debris and downed trees. Multiple school districts around Salt Lake City canceled classes in fear of high profile school busses tipping over.
While it may seem calmer than it was, winds are expected to gust up to 75 mph again tonight after 9:00 pm in Davis & Weber Counties. Please do not ignore the restrictions on high-profile vehicles (…still in place) in this area. pic.twitter.com/uguac8trDx
— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) September 9, 2020
According to the National Weather Service, the peak wind speed was 99 mph just north of Salt Lake City. The University of Utah recorded winds hitting 89 mph. Strong winds ripped across the region Monday through Wednesday wreaking havoc and stoking wildfires from Oregon to Colorado. Days after the wild event crews are still cleaning up the widespread debris.
