Tornadoes, hail, snow, wind in Wyoming
Winter makes a brief return
June 7, 2007
Winter returned briefly Wednesday to bring strong winds and icy road crashes in Wyoming. Reports of strong winds up to 55 miles an hour were reported along the I-80 corridor in southeast Wyoming between Cheyenne and Walcott Junction. Tornadoes and funnel clouds were reported south of Gillette in Campbell County, along with half-dollar size hail. Flash flooding occurred in Sheridan County.
Wyoming Highway Patrol reported a total of six wind-related crashes involving combination units in the southeast portion of the State. An 88-mph wind gust was reported Thursday morning (today) near Cheyenne.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation posted road advisories advising no light trailers on Interstate 80 between Walcott Junction and Laramie and north of Cheyenne on Interstate 25 beginning at 11:50 a.m. Wednesday morning due to high winds in excess of 50 mph.
Winds subsided slightly and no additional wind crashes were reported Wednesday involving semi-tractor trailers and other high-profile vehicles. Winds increased early Thursday morning and five additional wind-related blow over crashes were reported and investigated by WHP.
High winds are expected to subside later Thursday afternoon. Wyoming Highway Patrol advises drivers who are operating light-weight, high profile vehicles to be alert to the high wind warnings and road advisories and adjustor alter their travel routes or plans.
A Snow Advisory is in effect for the northern mountains through noon today (Thursday). High Wind Warnings are in effect for northern Johnson, Park and Big Horn Counties.
Snow showers are expected to continue over the northern mountains today. Snowfall may be heavy at times with up to 6-8 inches possible in places by this afternoon. Mountain passes will se slick conditions and limited visibilities at times. Drivers are urged to use caution and monitor weather and road condition reports.
A Pacific trough will move into western Wyoming later in the week bringing showers and thunderstorms. Strong wind gusts and hail may accompany isolated thunderstorms. High elevation snow may be possible in the latter part of next week.
Related Links:
National Weather Service, www.weather.gov
Western Wyoming Road Condition Report (WYDOT)
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