SALT LAKE CITY — A "red" air-quality alert has been issued by the state Department of Environmental Quality, accompanied by a health advisory for Salt Lake and Davis counties.

As pollution continues to linger in the valleys, a "yellow" alert also remains in effect for Weber and Utah counties.

The cold weather has helped to trap fine pollutants in Cache County, where the Bear River District Health Department has also issued a red alert.

Under such conditions, sensitive people — those with respiratory disease, heart disease and the elderly and children — should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.

Residents are being asked to drive as little as possible during red and yellow days because cars contribute significantly to the area's air pollution. Wood burning is also prohibited on red days and discouraged when yellow conditions exist.

More information on actions that can be taken to reduce pollution is available on the "Choose Clean Air" Web site at www.cleanair.utah.gov.

It's anticipated that a storm moving into western and southern Utah late Monday night will clear the air and bring snow, with accumulations of as much as 10 inches or more along the I-15 corridor from Salt Lake City to Cedar City.

The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City issued a "winter storm watch" and predicts significant snow late Monday through Wednesday evening.

— Amy Joi O'Donoghue