ST. GEORGE — Intense wind knocked over two more semitractor-trailers Friday as they traveled along one of Utah’s interstates.
At approximately 5:15 p.m. Friday, two semis traveling eastbound on Interstate 80 near milepost 84 in Tooele County were both blown over by the high winds within about 5 minutes of each other, the Utah Highway Patrol said in a media statement.
The two semis toppled over on their side, blocking the highway, according the Highway Patrol.
Traffic was diverted off Exit 84 for about two hours, troopers said, until the semis could be moved enough to open one lane of travel.
Minor injuries were reported as a result of the crashes, the Highway Patrol said, adding that a small amount of engine oil was also spilled.
Authorities had released dash cam footage of a semitractor-trailer being toppled over by intense winds while traveling on Interstate 15 earlier this month. The footage illustrates the dangers faced when high profile vehicles travel in high winds, UHP officials said.
“These videos are great examples as to why high wind warnings are issued, why we expect truck drivers to heed the warnings and pull over, and what could happen when they don’t,” Utah Highway Patrol officials said of the dash cam footage.
Strong winds were expected to complicate travel on several major roadways in Utah over the weekend after a high wind warning was issued by the National Weather Service.
High winds and choppy waves at Sand Hollow Reservoir Friday afternoon also capsized a kayak, leaving a Provo man clinging to its hull three hours until rescuers arrived.
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