CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Weather is affecting travel in Wyoming once again, and the Wyoming Highway Patrol is issuing stern warnings, and posting the reasons for such warnings.
On its Facebook page WHP is showing examples of what is happening to some travelers including truckers that are taking the risk of trying to navigate through the latest wind storms — and losing.
“Mother Nature is not messing around,” WHP posted as the
WHP announced on its Facebook page that Interstate 25 is closed from the Colorado Border to Douglas to all commercial traffic due to the continued wind storm. Also, Interstate 80 westbound from Laramie to Rawlins was closed to all traffic due to multiple crashes as well as it being completely closed to all commercial vehicles from Laramie to Rawlins due to extreme blow over risk.
Additionally, I-25 and I-80 and other highways are closed to light high profile vehicles of varying weights from 40,000 to 75,000 pounds.
Truckers who are ignoring such warnings are being stopped and in many cases flipped for doing so.
WHP advised drivers to dial 511 or check out the Wyoming 511 app to get the latest road conditions.
Weather forecasts in Wyoming are calling for wind throughout the weekend.
For today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) is predicting mostly sunny skies with a high near 61. Windy, with a west wind 30 to 35 mph increasing to 40 to 45 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 65 mph.
Tonight the NOAA says skies will be mostly clear, with a low around 42. Winds from the west will be steady at 30 to 35 mph, with gusts as high as 55 mph.
On Saturday, it should be mostly sunny again with a high near 64 with a west wind 35 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph.
Rain and snow showers could hit before midnight Saturday night with a low around 16 to go along with 30 to 40 mph winds from the west, becoming north northwest after midnight. Those winds could gust as high as 60 mph.
On Sunday chances of snow showers continue with a high near 26 and a north wind 30 to 35 mph decreasing to 25 to 30 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 55 mph. Sunday night’s low is predicted to dip to 13.
“Please find the nearest safe haven to stop and wait out this wind storm,” WHP stated. “This storm is expected to last through the weekend. Do NOT challenge mother nature for the sake of a schedule – you will lose.”
Bruce Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has lived in three states including Arkansas, Missouri and Georgia. During his nearly 20-year career, Bruce has served as managing editor and sports editor for numerous publications. He and his wife, Dana, who is also a journalist, are based in Carrollton, Georgia.
