Cheyenne, WY – Drivers along Interstate 25 and Interstate 80 could face dangerous crosswinds by 2 a.m. Tuesday as 70 mph wind gusts move into southeast Wyoming, creating a high risk for rollovers and road restrictions during the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne, a High Wind Watch remains in effect for Tuesday as a Pacific cold front sweeps across central and southeast Wyoming. Sustained west winds of 35 to 50 mph are expected, with gusts reaching up to 70 mph from early Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. The strongest winds are expected west of I-25 from 2 a.m. to 8 p.m., and along the I-25 corridor, including Douglas and Wheatland, from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The watch includes Cheyenne, Laramie, Rawlins, Arlington, Shirley Basin, Wheatland, Douglas and surrounding areas, primarily along and west of the Interstate 25 corridor. Interstate 80 near Arlington and Elk Mountain is especially prone to blow-over crashes in high wind events. Wyoming Department of Transportation officials could issue light-weight and high-profile vehicle restrictions with little notice.
Campers, tractor-trailers and box trucks face the greatest risk. Drivers should delay non-essential travel, secure loose outdoor items and prepare for sudden gusts capable of pushing vehicles across lanes. Power outages are also possible if wind speeds peak near 70 mph.
Winds are expected to ease Tuesday night, but additional advisories may follow if stronger gusts develop. The High Wind Watch could be upgraded to a warning as confidence increases.
