The first winter storm of December arrived with high winds, scattered snow showers and hazardous driving conditions.

Numerous accidents occurred on Highway 40 between Roosevelt and Duchesne Thursday morning and afternoon, involving cars spinning out of control in the snowy weather.

“People need to slow down for the conditions,” Utah Highway Patrol Lieutenant Jeff Chugg said. “They follow too close and too fast. Someone hits their brakes or stops to turn and suddenly they have nowhere to go but off the road.”

Highway Patrol Troopers were busy clearing accidents and trying to prevent more as on-coming traffic approached at too high a rate of speed to understand the slippery road conditions.

More snow is forecast for the evening hours. The Utah Highway Patrol advises keep your speeds down when encountering freezing surfaces and accumulating snow.