Blizzard Warning Expanded to Include Sheridan, Gillette Areas
Parts of north-central and northeastern Wyoming are now under a blizzard warning as a powerful winter storm looms for the Cowboy State and much of the midwest.
Heavy snow combined and wind gusts of roughly 60 mph are expected to create blizzard conditions in six Wyoming counties through Thursday evening, according to a blizzard warning from the National Weather Service. The warning is in effect from 6 a.m. Wednesday until 6 p.m. Thursday.
The weather service updated the warning on Tuesday to include Campbell County, much of Weston County and all but far western Sheridan County. The warning originally covered and continues to apply to most of Laramie County, Goshen County and Niobrara County.
For the areas newly added to the warning, the NWS anticipates eight to 13 inches of snow accumulation as a result of the storm in addition to wind gusts up to 50 mph.
Travel could be very difficult to impossible, the weather service warns, as the storm moves through. Blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility and gusting winds could bring down tree branches.
Dangerous whiteout conditions are expected for the areas to which the blizzard warning applies.
A winter storm warning applies to most of the state. It includes Buffalo, Casper, Douglas, Laramie, Rawlins and Rock Springs.
Winter weather advisories have been issued for areas including Cody, Evanston, Kemmerer, Lander, Riverton and Thermopolis.
For areas of Wyoming set to see the most severe impacts from the storm, the National Weather Service in Cheyenne recommends canceling travel plans if at all possible. Anyone who must travel is advised to have a winter survival kit inside their vehicle, fill their gas tank, charge their cell phone and dress appropriately for conditions.
The latest road conditions are available at WyoRoad.info, by calling 511 or via the Wyoming 511 app.