SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT FROM NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Blizzard Warning for South Laramie Range

Issued by The National Weather Service

Cheyenne, WY

1:43am MST, Fri Dec 18

Blizzard warning now in effect until 11 am MST this morning...

Timing: Through late this morning.

Winds/visibility:. Sustained west to southwest winds 35 to 50 mph with gusts to 65 mph. The strongest winds will occur through mid morning. Visibilities will drop to around one quarter mile.

Impacts: strong winds will produce near whiteout conditions and significant blowing and drifting snow. Travel will be dangerous to impossible through late this morning. This includes Interstate 80 from mile markers 240 to 280 and mile markers 320 to 350. Stay indoors. Ground blizzard conditions can be life threatening.

Precautionary/preparedness actions...

A ground blizzard warning means whiteout conditions are expected or occurring. Blowing snow with strong winds and extremely poor visibilities are likely. This will make travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must... Have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded... Stay with your vehicle. For specific road and travel conditions in Wyoming... Dial 5 1 1. Use extreme caution when approaching and driving over railroad crossings if not able to avoid them.

Ground blizzard conditions due to strong winds and blowing snow will continue for the Arlington and Vedauwoo areas through late this morning...

Local Area Emergency Warning for Laramie County

Issued by The National Weather Service

Cheyenne, WY

5:17am MST, Fri Dec 18

The following message is transmitted at the request of the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Interstate 80 between Laramie and Rawlins is expected to be closed through this morning due to high winds and whiteout conditions.

At this time... Interstate 80 is closed eastbound from Evanston to Rawlins and westbound from Cheyenne to Laramie.

This message will be updated as conditions warrant.

Issued by The National Weather Service

Cheyenne, WY

9:44am MST, Fri Dec 18

High wind warning remains in effect until 3 pm MST this afternoon.

Timing: Through early this afternoon.

Winds: Sustained west to southwest winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts to 60 to 70 mph.

Impacts: Mainly to transportation. Light weight and high profile vehicles will be impacted... Especially on north to south oriented roads. There is a significant risk for blow offs and blow overs. Significantly reduced visibilities and slick roads from blowing snow are likely. Travel is not recommended.

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. For detailed road and travel conditions in Wyoming and Nebraska... Dial 5 1 1.

Very strong winds and blowing snow for the wind prone areas of southeast Wyoming through early this afternoon.

Very strong winds will continue through early afternoon across the wind prone areas of southeast Wyoming with gusts to 55 to 65 mph. Blowing snow from the strong winds and fresh snowpack will produce very low visibilities and icy roads. Travel through these areas will be hazardous and is not recommended... Especially for high profile and light vehicles.