High Wind — Northern Wasatch Front, Utah

2013-11-21 to 2013-11-23 · Northern Wasatch Front, Utah

Event narrative

Downslope winds were strongest in the northern Wasatch Front, with a peak recorded wind gust of 85 mph at a UDOT shed in Centerville. Other sensors in Centerville and Farmington also recorded 80 mph wind gusts. The wind knocked out power to more than 10,000 residents across the area. Included in these power outages were some traffic signal lights and street lights that were out; these outages, combined with the winds and blowing debris, were blamed for an auto-pedestrian accident in Ogden, which resulted in one injury and one fatality.

Damage was less severe than other downslope windstorms in recent years, but was still widespread. Several street signs were bent or knocked over, including four exit signs along Interstate 15. Numerous large trees were uprooted, and damage to fences and roofs was common. An RV in North Ogden was knocked over, and semitrailer traffic was stopped for a period of time along Interstate 15 and Legacy Highway. Other items that sustained damage or became airborne included trampolines, children's playground equipment, and garage doors.

Wider weather episode

A strong storm system moving through southern Utah created an easterly surface gradient in northern Utah, producing gusty downslope winds along portions of the Wasatch Front.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 482834. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.