Cheyenne, WY – High-profile vehicles could be forced off key highways within hours as powerful wind gusts ramp up across southeast Wyoming by Wednesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne, a High Wind Watch now covers much of southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska, with southwest winds beginning in Carbon County by Wednesday morning and spreading east through the afternoon. Gusts will reach 55 to 70 mph in most areas, with wind-prone corridors seeing peaks over 80 mph through Thursday afternoon.
Interstates 80 and 25 face the highest risk, especially near Arlington, Elk Mountain, and Bordeaux where crosswinds frequently overturn semis. Blowing dust may drop visibility below 500 feet at times, creating sudden whiteout conditions for drivers. In Cheyenne and Laramie, strong gusts could down tree limbs and cause isolated power outages.
A cold front arriving Wednesday evening will shift winds to the west and northwest overnight into Thursday, maintaining dangerous travel conditions. Residents should secure loose outdoor items, delay travel if possible, and avoid towing trailers or driving lightweight vehicles.
Warnings remain in effect through Thursday afternoon, with additional advisories possible as the system strengthens.
