ST. GEORGE — The north and southbound lanes of Interstate 15 were shut down near Parowan due to winter weather, the Utah Department of Transportation reported over Twitter Monday afternoon. Additionally, state Route 9 through Zion National Park was also closed.
Updated Jan. 22, 12:10 p.m. – Zion National Park officials have reported the state Route 9 is now open, but winter driving conditions are still present and caution is advised when driving.
Updated Jan. 21, 3:40 p.m. – The interstate appears to have reopened with UDOT reporting at 3:30 p.m. that crashes occurred at northbound I-15 at milepost 83 and another at southbound milepost 87. Clearance time is estimated at between 4:30-4:40 p.m.
Another crash was reported at near Kanarraville at northbound milepost 50 around the same time, which is also estimated to be cleared by 4:40 p.m.
Motorists are advised to expect delays.
The original closures were reported at 3 p.m., with northbound lanes closed at milepost 90 and southbound lanes closed as milepost 82.
State Route 9 through Zion National Park was also closed Monday afternoon due to winter conditions, according to park officials, who posted the news on Twitter around 1:45 p.m.
Scenic Drive is still open, yet conditions on that road are not good, officials noted.
Travel on State Route 9 through Zion National Park is now closed to all vehicles due to winter road conditions. Travel on the Scenic Drive is still available but conditions are not good.
— Zion National Park (@ZionNPS) January 21, 2019
Winter storms have blanketed much of the state and motorists are advised to exercise caution when on the road.
Read more: Heavy snow, strong winds prompt storm warning for Utah roads
Getting ready
- Be aware of road conditions. UDOT recommends checking CommuterLink for road and weather conditions before leaving home.
- Clear any frost and snow from the car’s lights and windows. Make an effort to see and be seen while driving.
- Inspect the vehicle’s tires, fluids, wiper blades, lights and hoses. Preventative maintenance may save a car from breaking down and stranding drivers and passengers on the highway.
- Allow for leeway in travel time. Expect to drive slowly in adverse weather conditions. High speeds can lead to skidding off the road and getting stuck in the snow.
- Have emergency supplies in the car. A basic winter emergency kit may include items like a flashlight, batteries, snacks, water, gloves, boots and a first-aid kit.
When driving
- Take it slow. Drive well below posted speed limits and leave plenty of space between cars.
- Approach intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shaded areas slowly. These areas are hot spots for black ice.
- Slow down in cases of limited visibility and be alert.
- Whether someone drives an elevated SUV or a ground-kissing Toyota Prius, again, UDOT says to take it slow. Just because a truck has 4-wheel drive doesn’t change how it handles on the road, especially when traction goes out the window. Mother Nature is no respecter of automotive diversity.
- Keep the vehicle’s speed down. The faster the car goes, the longer it takes to stop. Be slow on the accelerator or risk having the car skid when the next stop sign appears.
- Do not use the car’s cruise control while ice and snow still abound.
Additional information on winter driving can be found at the UDOT website, as well as UDOT’s Commuterlink for current road and weather conditions, or dial 511.
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