Hurricane-Force Winds in Utah Close Schools, Leave Over 58,000 Without Power

With high winds blowing into Utah overnight, more than 58,000 Rocky Mountain Power customers are without power today due to the over 650 outages in the state, according to the company's website.

The arctic storm system also led to schools closing across Salt Lake, Weber and Davis counties. Winds are currently peaking at 99 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Utahans have been told to stay indoors amid the windy conditions, which have led to fallen trees and power lines throughout northern Utah. The NWS expects winds to continue at peak levels until 11 a.m. local time, when gusts are forecasted to calm down to between 40 to 50 mph, before picking up again this evening.

"Rocky Mountain Power is encouraging all customers to be prepared for prolonged power outages with adequate food, water, back-up batteries, power banks etc.," Rocky Mountain Power spokesman Spencer Hall told Newsweek in a statement. "Forecasts indicate high winds to continue into tomorrow, and some restoration efforts could be delayed until the gusts subside to ensure safety."

The company has deployed additional crews and line personnel to help restore outages.

"If you live in an area impacted by today's high winds, please stay home to say [sic] safe," Utah Governor Gary Herbert wrote in a tweet on Tuesday. "We are working to keep critical infrastructure open. When it is safe to do so, help with cleanup in your local area. (This may not be until tomorrow.)"

Dangerous weather conditions also shuttered the Capitol building in Salt Lake City to state employees.

The storm is expected to bring record-low cold weather, with temperatures dropping into the mid-20's and near-blizzard conditions across the Uintah Mountains, which could receive up to 12 inches of snow. The NWS forecasts a strong probability of precipitation Monday night through Wednesday.

However, the rain is assisting firefighters who are battling a wildfire nearby in Springville. More than 200 homes have been evacuated due to the Ether Hollow Fire, which has burned more than 1,000 acres, according to the state fire authorities. Officials said the start of the fire was due to target shooting.

"Two major fires in two days caused by target shooting. This is not the time to carelessly shoot into the wildlands folks. This has to stop," officials pleaded on Twitter.

The Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) is restricting travel for semitrailers in three counties "after a number have blown over due to the high winds in the area."

"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," the UHP said in a tweet.

Troopers are highly discouraging anyone from driving until the wind speeds decrease.

Newsweek reached out to Rocky Mountain Power for comment but did not hear back before publication.