SE Wyoming Braces For Major Winter Storm, 12-18 Inches Of Snow Possible

The Cheyenne Office of the National Weather Service says a ''major winter storm' could dump 12-18 inches of snow in southeast Wyoming on Monday through Wednesday.

The agency posted the following statement Facebook late Saturday afternoon:

This is not an April Fools joke… A major snowstorm is taking shape and likely to impact much of the area Monday through Wednesday this week. A Winter Storm Watch goes into effect Sunday for much of southeast Wyoming and the Nebraska Panhandle and lasts through Wednesday. Exact snowfall amounts remain uncertain at this time, but some locations could see in excess of 12 inches of snow. A sharp snowfall gradient is expected to develop, shown in the yellow box, which could result in significant differences in snow totals over short distances. An expansion of the Winter Storm Watch into eastern Laramie county, and portions of the southern Nebraska Panhandle may be warranted as Monday approaches. In addition to the potential heavy snow, gusty winds may result in blowing and drifting concerns. The Maximum Wind Gust Forecast is shown on the left. Continue to check back for the most up to date weather information as this system approaches.

The agency included the following in an email

Key Messages:

• A winter storm beginning late Sunday night is set to potentially cause major impacts to portions of southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska due to heavy snow and blowing/drifting snow.
• Widespread 10 to 15 inches of snowfall is possible, with areas near the Pine Ridge receiving even 20+ inches.
• Along with the heavy snowfall, strong wind gusts 45 to 55+ mph Tuesday, will cause very hazardous conditions across far eastern Wyoming and the Nebraska panhandle.

Here is the forecast for Cheyenne: