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.
PHOTOS: Winds cause heavy damage in Northern Utah
According to NWS, gusts of 74 mph or greater are considered hurricane-force winds.
Hurricane-force winds were recorded in Farmington, Centerville, Layton, Willard, Brigham City, Salt Lake City and at Logan Peak Tuesday.
SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS AND DELAYS:
Salt Lake City and Davis County districts announced Tuesday that they would be canceling school Wednesday due to the power outages and other windstorm effects.
Salt Lake City will still offer meals for students at the following sites from 11 a.m until 12:30 p.m.:
- Backman Elementary (South Parking Area – Enter from 1500 West) 601 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, Utah
- East High School (West Parking Area – Enter from 900 South) 840 South 1300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Edison Elementary (U-shaped Driveway – Located in front of school) 430 South Cheyenne Street, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Meadowlark Elementary (Northeast Parking Area) 497 North Morton Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Northwest Middle School (Northeast Parking Area – Located next to main entrance) 1730 West 1700 North, Salt Lake City, Utah
- West High School (U-shaped Driveway – Located North of building next to cafeteria entrance) 241 North 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Whittier Elementary (North Parking Area – Enter from Roberta Street) 1600 South 300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah
The Davis district has not specified if it would provide meals, but did announce that students in "Group 2" will have face-to-face instruction on Thursday and "Group 1" on Friday. For secondary schools, Thursday and Friday will both be on the "B-day" schedule.
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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