CEDAR CITY (ABC4) – Cedar City was hit by an early winter snowstorm Friday morning, causing significant tree damage and a delayed start to college classes.

After one Unusually warm start to Octoberwith temperatures up to 20 degrees above average, a strong storm system went through Utah. The system brought snowfall to higher elevations across the state, including Cedar City.

According to officialsthe city – that sits 5,800 feet above sea level – saw “significant tree damage” from the storm, with leaf-filled branches weighed down by “wet, heavy snow” scattered across properties.

Southern Utah Universitylocated in the heart of the city, issued an “emergency notification” Friday postponing early morning classes due to “dangerous regional weather conditions.” The university warned faculty and students of slippery conditions and poor 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 arrive on campus until 9:00 am. Use caution when traveling,” the email said.

City officials said residents can place branches in front of their properties and crews will pick them up next week. If residents do not want to wait for this service, they can also drop off their branches at the Bulloch Pit at 1050 North Lund Highway.

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Officials say the pit will be open and freely accessible by the middle of next week. For those placing branches on the curb, officials recommend not parking vehicles on the street for accessibility reasons. These services are available only to Cedar City residents and should only be used for tree branches.

Winter conditions could continues until Saturday in mountainous areas, with a winter storm warning in effect for Cedar City through Saturday morning. ABC4 meteorologists are forecasting slight warming next week.

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