The National Weather Service issued warnings for winter storms that are set to sweep through Utah before the New Year that, combined with a road closure, could make holiday travel an issue.

According to the Utah Department of Transportation, I-15 northbound and southbound is closed at exit 284 to State Road 92 in Lehi due to a light pole that came off of its base early Monday morning.

“Thankfully there was not a lot of traffic in the area… I’m not aware of any damage or injuries at this time,” said Geoff Dupaix, regional communications manager for UDOT. “Our crews also came out and inspected the other lights along the corridor and we identified four other light poles that were showing signs of distress … we wanted to make sure that the road was safe and that these poles were removed.”

Crews worked into the afternoon to fix this light pole, as well as the four others that showed signs of wear and tear. It is anticipated that the exit will open at some point during the evening commute, although drivers in this area should still expect major delays and consider an alternate route.

As a cold front moves through Utah, drivers along the Wasatch front should prepare for two to four inches of snow accumulation set to fall around 5-6 p.m. Monday.

“We have a strong cold front moving through the state this afternoon through this evening, it’s going to bring a heavy band of snowfall through the Wasatch Front… it will move southward into the Salt Lake and Utah Valley areas by about 5 to 6 p.m.,” said Mike Seaman, meteorologist for the National Weather Service. “The roads are going to be slick, so be prepared for that. Basically your typical winter driving conditions, definitely want to reduce speeds and be prepared for reduced visibility. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and if you don’t need to be out traveling maybe just postpone those plans.”

A winter storm warning was called for Monday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. for the Wasatch Mountains I-80 North, Wasatch Mountains South of I-80, and Western Uinta Mountains. These areas could experience a total snow accumulation of 10 to 18 inches, as well as winds as high as 50 miles per hour. This includes the cities of Mantua, Logan Summit, Alta, Brighton, Mirror Lake Highway and Moon Lake. A cold front set to begin in these areas from 4-7 p.m. is anticipated to disrupt the Monday evening commute.

According to the National Weather Service, travel during these storms could be difficult, and traction restrictions are likely. The NWS recommends that those who must travel during winter storms carry extra food, water and a flashlight with them in case of emergency.

Low temperatures are expected throughout Utah on Tuesday according to a forecast from the National Weather Service, which could mean particularly icy road conditions.

“Maintain a safe travel speed. We don’t have to bump our speeds to freeway speeds and above freeway speeds, there’s still going to be ice and slush on the freeway,” said Sgt. Cameron Roden of the Utah Highway Patrol.

The Utah Department of Public Safety website provided the following tips for driving in the snow safely:

• Slow down and drive under the speed limit.
• Increase your following distance and avoid rapid starts, stops, and turns even if you have a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive.
• Buckle your seatbelt and remove children’s winter coats before buckling them in.
• If you begin to slide, ease off the gas and turn in the direction the back of your car is going.
• Watch for black ice and use extra caution on bridges, as they will freeze first.
• If you find yourself behind an active snow plow, stay behind it, or pass on the left side with caution.
• Clear the snow and ice from your car to optimize visibility.
• Avoid using cruise control.
• Watch for deer and other wildlife that can become more active after storms.
• Keep your gas tank full and dress for winter weather.
• Give yourself more time to avoid rushing to your destination.
• Stay home during inclement weather if possible.

For the official National Weather Service forecast, visit http://weather.gov/slc/winter, and for more information on road conditions throughout the state, visit http://udottraffic.utah.gov.

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