Highways in Wyoming, South Dakota closed because of heavy snow

Parts of Interstate 90 in both Wyoming and South Dakota were closed today because of heavy snow and blizzard conditions.

The Associated Press

5/2/2008

CHEYENNE, Wyo. —Transportation officials closed numerous highways in southern and eastern Wyoming and in western South Dakota on Friday because of snow and high winds.

In Wyoming, eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 remained closed at midday Friday from Rawlins to Cheyenne. Westbound lanes of I-80 were closed from Cheyenne to Laramie.

In the northeastern part of the state, eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 were closed from Sundance to the South Dakota border. Westbound I-90 lanes were closed from Sundance to near Moorcroft.

Interstate 25 was closed from Wheatland north to the Guernsey Interchange.

Wyoming also closed many smaller roads in eastern parts of the state.

The National Weather Service issued high wind, snow and blowing snow advisories for parts of southeast Wyoming lasting through Friday afternoon. Wind gusts up to 70 mph were possible for Laramie, Platte and Goshen counties.

A blizzard warning was in effect for Niobrara County.

For up-to-date information on Wyoming roads, go to http://www.wyoroad.info/pls/Browse/WRR.RoadClosures.

In South Dakota, part of Interstate 90 was closed to travel Friday because of heavy snow and blizzard conditions in the western poart of the state.

Officials in Spearfish, Belle Fourche and Butte County declared snow emergencies. All roads were closed to travel except for emergency vehicles.

Interstate 90 was closed from the Wall area to the Wyoming state line.

A no travel advisory was issued for the Black Hills. No travel was advised on Highway 85 from North Dakota through Custer. Highway 79 from Rapid City south was closed.

Winds up to 66 miles per hour were blowing snow around in Rapid City, where Mayor Alan Hanks told people to stay home.

"There are very few businesses that are going to open, so take a day off and enjoy it," Hanks said.

Mount Rushmore, Ellsworth Air Force Base and the School of Mines and Technology were among the places that closed on Friday.

For information on roads in South Dakota, go to http://www.sddot.com/.