Tumbleweed Invasion Disrupts Suburban Utah

Heavy winds drive massive tumbleweed wave across South Jordan, causing widespread disruption.

A massive wave of tumbleweeds, propelled by heavy winds, blanketed homes and streets in South Jordan, Utah, causing significant disruption.
The tumbleweed invasion is attributed to a combination of seasonal weather patterns, the life cycle of the Russian thistle, and strong gusts.
Native to Russia, the Russian thistle was introduced to the U.S. by immigrants and thrives in disturbed soil conditions, raising concerns about its spread due to climate change.
City crews in South Jordan worked diligently to clear the tumbleweeds, with cleanup efforts nearing completion by Tuesday afternoon.
The phenomenon of rolling tumbleweeds, deeply entrenched in Western U.S. culture, highlights both the challenges and the iconic imagery of the Old West.