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Low water levels could lead to restrictions

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah could certainly use the recent rain storms to hit the state, but the precipitation doesn’t mean much when it comes to our water levels, which are below average.

Low levels mean farmers could have a tough time irrigating their crops this summer, and if it gets really bad it could mean water restrictions for residents.

Larry Dunn, the meteorologist in charge with the National Weather Service, said, “It  seemed like a very cold harsh winter with a lot of snow, and that’s true if you lived in the valley.”

High above on the mountain tops the snow may have made for some great ski days, but that’s about it.

“These storms are really important, a cool wet spring could go a long ways toward alleviating the shortages that have come from this low snowpack,” Dunn said.

Weekend storm on its way out

Winter storms continued through Saturday, which caused several accidents, but the storm system appears to be on the way out.

A cold front came through Saturday morning, and snow fell through Saturday night, but the storm was mostly cleared away by Sunday afternoon. Another weaker storm system is expected to move into northern Utah on Monday night and into Tuesday.

The winter road conditions lead to several car crashes and slide-offs throughout the Wasatch Front on Saturday.

In Salt Lake County there were 63 incidents leading to property damage, 6 leading to personal injury, and 10 slide-offs. In Utah County there were 14 incidents that led to damage and one vehicle slide-off. In Davis County there were 10 accidents with property damage. In Weber County there were 15 accidents with damages.

More snow expected through weekend

A snowstorm that caused delays and contributed to dozens of crashes Friday morning is on its way out, but people in northern Utah can expect more snow this weekend.

The heaviest periods of snowfall are expected late Friday night through Saturday morning and again Saturday night. Valley floors are expected receive between three and eight inches of snow, with up to a foot along the benches and within Ogden Valley.

Friday morning’s storm was a contributing factor in 90 crashes with property damage and 11 slide-offs in Salt Lake County between 12 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Of those, nine crashes resulted in injuries. In Utah County, 36 crashes with property damage were reported in the same time period. Of those, five resulted in injuries.

A Utah Highway Patrol trooper’s patrol car was hit on I-15 near mile post 272 in Orem at approximately 7:30 a.m.

Snow in Utah’s weekend forecast

Track the storm: FOX 13′s interactive radar.

The entire state of Utah will see periods of accumulating snow through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm is expected to impact the Friday evening commute. The snow showers will progress north from Utah County through Salt Lake County and into Davis and Weber Counties by early evening, according to the NWS.

NWS also warns of winter driving conditions and difficult traveling along I-84 from Tremonton to the Idaho border Friday night into Saturday morning. Parley’s Summit, US-40 and US-6 will see winter driving conditions beginning Friday as well.

Logan, Salt Lake Valley experiencing poorest air quality in nation

Logan has the worst air quality in the nation, according to airnow.gov.

Brigham CIty, Ogden, Provo and Salt Lake City also made the list for poor air quality.

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) forecasts another red air day for many counties in northern Utah. A storm moving into the area is expected to help clear out the pollution. Moderate air quality days are forecast for much of northern Utah beginning Friday.

In Logan, everyone experience health effects due to the air quality. DEQ suggests people limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Also, many northern Utahns experienced a foggy commute Thursday morning.

UDOT: This is the biggest winter in recent memory

SALT LAKE CITY –The Utah Department of Transportation spokesperson said this is the biggest winter in recent memory, and right now the department’s chief concern is making sure their employees are getting enough rest.

John Gleason, Utah Department of Transportation spokesman, said word crews worked through the night on Sunday and into Monday to keep roads clear, and he said they expect to be working hard through the coming storms.

“This has been the biggest winter that we’ve had in recent memory here, especially with the icy conditions,” Gleason said. “We’ve had to have a lot of our guys out around the clock, and now getting them rested up becomes important, especially because we’re expecting another round tomorrow. We have all of our resources out. It becomes a round the clock type of an event.”

All Salt Lake City snowplows set to work through the night

SALT LAKE CITY – All 45 of Salt Lake City’s snowplows were out to clear the streets for Monday’s morning commute, and the plows are set to operate all through Sunday night.

Public Services Director Rick Grahm said road crews have been challenged by fast accumulations of heavy, wet snow falling on already frozen roads, according to a press release from Salt Lake City.

Main roads, arterials and collector routes are the current priority, and, depending on the weather overnight, plows may not be able to move into residential areas until Monday morning.

According to the same press release, Barbara Gann, Salt Lake City International Airport spokeswoman, said the airport is open and operating, but runways will be closed intermittently to allow for ongoing snow removal. Travelers should expect some delays, cancellations and diversions.