Cedar City skips fall, slammed with early winter snow

CEDAR CITY ( ABC4 ) — Cedar City was hit with an early winter snowstorm Friday morning, leading to extensive tree damage and a delayed start to university classes.

After an unseasonably warm start to October , with temperatures reaching 20 degrees above average, a strong storm system passed through Utah. The system brought snowfall to higher elevations across the state, including Cedar City.

According to officials , the city — which sits at 5,800 feet above sea level — saw “significant tree damage” from the storm, with leaf-filled branches weighed down by “wet heavy snow” strewn across properties.

Southern Utah University , located in the heart of the city, issued an “Emergency Notification” Friday, delaying early morning classes due to “hazardous regional weather conditions.” The university warned faculty and students of slick conditions and low visibility due to the winter storm.

“Due to updated information and hazardous regional weather conditions, the SUU campus will have a DELAYED START. Do not come to campus until 9:00 AM. Use caution while traveling,” the email read.

City officials said residents can place tree branches in front of their properties and crews will come pick them up next week. If residents do not wish to wait for that service, they can also dump branches at the Bulloch Pit on 1050 North Lund Highway.

Officials say the pit will be open and free to use until the middle of next week. For those placing branches on the curb, officials say not to park vehicles on the street for accessibility purposes. These services are only available to Cedar City residents and should be used solely for tree branches.

Winter conditions could continue through Saturday in mountainous areas, with a winter storm warning in effect into Saturday morning for Cedar City. ABC4 meteorologists forecast a slight warm-up next week.

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