The Wyoming Department of Transportation cautions motorists to be careful driving during a winter storm expected to wallop Wyoming before and during the Thanksgiving holiday.

WYDOT also urges motorists to give tow plows plenty of room, according to a news release from spokesman Jeff Goetz.

A tow plow is a steerable plow mounted on a trailer. It allows an operator to essentially plow two travel lanes at a time. When deployed, it is not possible to pass the plow.

Tow plow operators will pull to the side to let traffic pass, but may not be able to do so for each vehicle. Snow plows generally run at 35 mph where conditions warrant.

Please be patient and do not "crowd the plow."

The winter storm is predicted to reach the Casper area Wednesday and continue through Thursday.

Snow is expected to move in from the north, and strong winds may accompany the storm. Very cold temperatures are also expected in the area.

Another storm may arrive on the weekend. Both storms are likely to affect travelers throughout the central to southeastern portion of the state.

WYDOT's snow removal plan provides travelers with a minimum service to allow traffic to move at a restricted rate. Plowing should be sufficient to keep snow ridges and drifting to a minimum.

This does not mean the roads will be completely free of snow, ice, or other winter hazards. Drivers need to be aware that winter conditions, including slick and snow covered roads may still exist, and drive accordingly.

If conditions are too serious, WYDOT may close any section of a highway.

Highways designated for high-volume service will be plowed first, with roads in other classifications handled as soon as possible thereafter. Changing weather and road conditions may require shifting resources from lower-priority roads to achieve the desired level of service on higher-volume highways.

Up to 20 hours daily of high-volume service is provided on Interstate 25.

Up to 16 hours daily of medium-volume service is provided on U.S. Highway 20-26 between Casper and Waltman; Wyoming Highway 220 between Casper and Alcova; Wyoming Highway 258 (Wyoming Boulevard); and U.S. Highway 20-26-27 between Casper and Glenrock.

The following roads are plowed once higher-level roads have been serviced:

  • Casper Mountain Road (single-shift, daylight hours only) (WYO 251).
  • Salt Creek Highway (WYO 254).
  • Garden Creek Road (WYO 252).
  • Cole Creek Road (WYO 256).
  • Hat Six Road (WYO 253).
  • I-25 Service Road, Wardwell/Horse Ranch Creek interchange.

Other service roads as resources become available.

To learn more about service level classifications for plowing, visit WYDOT's snow plow priority plan.

For current road and travel information, visit www.wyoroad.info.

For weather information, visit National Weather Service Riverton.

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