Cheyenne, WY – Hazardous crosswinds are expected along Interstate 80 in southeast Wyoming today as a High Wind Warning remains in effect through late Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne, west winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are forecast for the South Laramie Range, South Laramie Range Foothills and North Snowy Range Foothills. Impacted locations include Arlington, Elk Mountain, the I-80 Summit between Cheyenne and Laramie, Vedauwoo, Buford, and surrounding foothill communities.
The warning is in effect from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. MST Monday, with the strongest winds likely during the daytime and early evening hours. Forecasters say the primary concern is for transportation, especially for light-weight and high-profile vehicles such as campers, box trucks and tractor-trailers.
Strong crosswinds may cause vehicles to swerve or even tip, particularly on exposed stretches of I-80 near Arlington, Elk Mountain and the Summit. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution, reduce speed and consider delaying travel if operating large or empty trailers.
The NWS notes that wind gusts over 58 mph can also lead to isolated property damage, including downed tree limbs and minor structural impacts.
A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected or occurring. Motorists and commercial drivers should monitor WYDOT alerts and be prepared for closures or rolling restrictions along I-80.
