High Winds to Return to SE Wyoming, Ground Blizzards Possible

Winds are expected to increase across the wind-prone areas of southeast Wyoming later this afternoon into the early evening, becoming strong overnight and persisting through at least Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, the National Weather Service in Cheyenne says.

Forecasters say winds could spread eastward into Wheatland and Cheyenne overnight tonight through midday Wednesday.

"Expect wind gusts 60-70 MPH, strongest in the wind prone areas," the NWS said Tuesday morning in a Facebook post.

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"These winds will likely result in considerable blowing and drifting snow for areas along and west of the Laramie Range, with localized ground blizzard conditions not out of the question especially for Arlington and the I-80 Summit," the agency added.

The NWS says travelers should expect frequent visibility reductions of a half-mile or less, as well as slick road conditions.

Drivers are encouraged to call 511 or go to wyoroad.info for the latest road closures and advisories.

US National Weather Service Cheyenne Wyoming via Facebook

6:30 AM MST Tuesday, January 3 – As snow exits to the east this morning, we once again transition to a threat for strong winds across southeast Wyoming. Winds are expected to increase across the typical wind prone regions (Arlington, Bordeaux, Vedauwoo) later this afternoon into the early evening, becoming strong overnight and persisting through at least Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. Winds could spread eastward into Wheatland and Cheyenne overnight tonight through mid-day Wednesday. Expect wind gusts 60-70 MPH, strongest in the wind prone areas. These winds will likely result in considerable blowing and drifting snow for areas along and west of the Laramie Range, with localized ground blizzard conditions not out of the question especially for Arlington and the I-80 Summit. Visibilities may be frequently reduced to one half mile or less, especially over the wind prone areas. Be prepared for continued adverse winter conditions over the next couple of days!

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2022's Deadliest Wyoming County in Terms of Traffic Deaths

While car crashes can occur anywhere, some roads in Wyoming are more dangerous than others.

According to Wyoming Highway Patrol data, there were 117 fatal crashes in the Cowboy State in 2022 resulting in 133 deaths.

Of those fatal crashes, the majority (13.68%) occurred in Laramie County -- two in January, one in February, one in March, two in April, one in June, two in July, three in August, two in September, one in November, and one in December.

Sweetwater County saw the second most fatal crashes last year, 12, while Fremont and Lincoln counties each saw 10.

Albany and Park counties each recorded eight, and Campbell, Converse, and Natrona counties each tallied seven.

The deadliest 2022 crash in Laramie County took place on June 17 when two semis collided on Interstate 80 east of Cheyenne and immediately became engulfed in flames killing both drivers and a passenger.

Laramie County also saw two fatal crashes involving motorcyclists, two fatal crashes involving juveniles, and a fatal crash involving a pedestrian last year.

Below is the Wyoming Highway Patrol narrative of every fatal crash that occurred in Laramie County in 2022.