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UDOT urges drivers to plan ahead for Friday’s commute as fog, snow descends on Utah

Posted at 8:37 PM, Jan 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-07 22:37:30-05

NORTHERN UTAH -- Drivers can't seem to catch a break. Thursday they fought through the fog, and Friday it will be several inches of snow.

But UDOT crews say they're ready for whatever Mother Nature throws their way.

"We're getting ready to take on the storm," said Jake Brown, UDOT Roadway Operations Manager for Cottonwood Canyon Shed.

At the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, all hands are on deck as UDOT crews prepare for what they expect to be a messy morning commute.

Thursday, crews focused on lowering the water-freezing temperature of the roads, making sure snow or ice doesn't build up.

"Salted all the roads, got a brine layer down and let rush hour hit it, and waiting for accumulation on the road," Brown said.

An accumulation of several inches is expected to be hitting the valley throughout Thursday night into Friday morning.

"They're expecting 1-2 in the valley, 3-5 in the benches, so give yourself plenty of time," Brown said. "Wake up in the morning and prepare to drive in a snowy commute."

If you thought visibility was low during Thursday's commute, the National Weather Service says the snow will only make conditions worse. UDOT is asking drivers to plan ahead.

"Give yourself plenty of time and slow down," Brown warned.

You can track UDOT's hundreds of snow plows using their smart phone applications. Click here to download the app for apple devicesand click here to get the Android version.

Follow the storms in your area using FOX 13's interactive maps and radar.