Heavy mountain snow along with high winds could make travel along Interstate 80 in southeast Wyoming extremely dangerous or impossible over the next couple of days.

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 5 a.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Friday for the Snowy and Sierra Madre ranges, with total snow accumulations of one to two feet and wind gusts of up to 70 mph expected.

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
222 PM MST Tue Jan 16 2024

WYZ112-114-171200-
/O.UPG.KCYS.WS.A.0002.240117T1200Z-240119T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KCYS.WS.W.0003.240117T1200Z-240119T1200Z/
Sierra Madre Range-Snowy Range-
Including the cities of Centennial and Albany
222 PM MST Tue Jan 16 2024

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM WEDNESDAY TO 5 AM MST
FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy mountain snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow
  accumulations of 1 to 2 feet. Wind gusts up to 70 MPH.

* WHERE...Sierra Madre and Snowy Mountain Ranges.

* WHEN...5 AM MST Wednesday until 5 AM MST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Extremely dangerous or impossible mountain travel
  conditions due to icy, snow packed roads and significantly
  reduced visibilities in falling and blowing snow. Outdoor
  recreation will be life threatening to those caught unprepared
  for severe winter conditions. Hikers and snowmobilers can become
  easily disoriented and lose their way.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

The National Weather Service in Cheyenne says portions of Carbon and Albany County could also see one to three inches of snow on Wednesday.

weather.gov/cys
weather.gov/cys
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8:30 PM January 16th - Mountain snowfall is expected in the Snowy and Sierra Madre Ranges starting Wednesday morning and continuing through Friday morning. Snowfall totals of 1 to 2 feet are possible, especially in the higher elevations. Additionally, winds gusting up to 70 mph will lead to blowing snow and reduced visibility. Outdoor recreation will be life threatening to those caught unprepared for severe winter conditions. Hikers and snowmobilers can become easily disoriented and lose their way. Outside of the mountains, portions of Carbon and Albany County in Wyoming could see 1 to 3 inches of snowfall Wednesday. For the lastest local forecast, be sure to check weather.gov/cys

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High Wind Warnings are also in effect until 5 p.m. Wednesday, which include I-80 between Rawlins and Cheyenne, and the Bordeaux Interchange along Interstate 25 between Chugwater and Wheatland.

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
212 PM MST Tue Jan 16 2024

WYZ117-171200-
/O.EXA.KCYS.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-240118T0000Z/
South Laramie Range Foothills-
Including the cities of Whitaker, Federal, and Horse Creek
212 PM MST Tue Jan 16 2024

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Areas of
  blowing and drifting snow.

* WHERE...South Laramie Range Foothills including Interstate 80
  between Laramie and Cheyenne.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds will be
  hazardous to light weight or high profile vehicles, including
  campers and tractor trailers.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Expect areas of blowing and drifting snow,
  leading to rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Slick
  road conditions and visibilities under one half mile are
  possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected
or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of
58 mph or more can lead to property damage.

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
212 PM MST Tue Jan 16 2024

WYZ106-116-171200-
/O.EXT.KCYS.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-240118T0000Z/
Central Laramie Range and Southwest Platte County-
South Laramie Range-
Including the cities of Bordeaux, Buford, Pumpkin Vine,
and Vedauwoo
212 PM MST Tue Jan 16 2024

...HIGH WIND WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph. Areas
  of blowing and drifting snow.

* WHERE...Central Laramie Range and Southwest Platte County
  including the Bordeaux Interchange along Interstate 25 between
  Chugwater and Wheatland. South Laramie Range including the
  Interstate 80 Summit.

* IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds will be
  hazardous to light weight or high profile vehicles, including
  campers and tractor trailers.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Expect areas of blowing and drifting snow,
  leading to rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Slick
  road conditions and visibilities under one half mile are
  possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected
or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of
58 mph or more can lead to property damage.

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
212 PM MST Tue Jan 16 2024

WYZ110-171200-
/O.CON.KCYS.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-240118T0000Z/
North Snowy Range Foothills-
Including the cities of Arlington and Elk Mountain
212 PM MST Tue Jan 16 2024

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM MST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...West to southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 70
  mph expected. Areas of blowing and drifting snow.

* WHERE...North Snowy Range Foothills including Arlington and
  Elk Mountain along Interstate 80 between Laramie and Rawlins.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM MST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds will be
  hazardous to light weight or high profile vehicles, including
  campers and tractor trailers.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Expect areas of blowing and drifting snow,
  leading to rapid changes in weather and road conditions. Slick
  road conditions and visibilities under one half mile are
  possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected
or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of
58 mph or more can lead to property damage.
weather.gov/cys
weather.gov/cys
loading...

7 PM January 16th Update: Strong winds continue this evening into Wednesday with wind gusts 60 to 70 mph expected. The maximum observed wind gusts today was 75 mph along Interstate 80 near Elk Mountain. Additionally, areas of blowing snow may lead to localized reductions to visibility through Wednesday afternoon. For latest road conditions, dial 511 or visit wyoroad.info

Drivers are encouraged to call 511 or visit wyoroad.info for the latest road conditions and closures.

Signs of a Bad Winter According to Weather Folklore

Gallery Credit: Mary K