Riverton, Wyoming – Wind gusts up to 80 mph will slam mountain passes and open highways across central Wyoming through Tuesday afternoon, creating dangerous crosswinds and heavy blowing snow in higher elevations.
According to the National Weather Service in Riverton, a High Wind Warning remains in effect until 5 p.m. Tuesday for the Wind River Mountains, Absaroka Mountains, Bighorn Mountains Southeast, and surrounding basins. Gusts could reach 80 mph in the Wind River Mountains and 75 mph in the Bighorns. Snowfall totals of 10 to 18 inches are expected in the higher elevations of the Wind River Range, with 3 to 9 inches in parts of the Absarokas.
Lower elevations, including Riverton, Lander, Cody, and Buffalo, will see southwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph through 5 p.m. Casper and Jeffrey City remain under a High Wind Warning until 7 p.m., where gusts may hit 70 mph along Interstate 25 and Highway 220.
Strong winds combined with low humidity in Natrona and Sweetwater counties could also elevate fire behavior in snow-free areas.
High-profile vehicles should avoid exposed routes, especially near South Pass and along I-25. Winds are expected to ease after sunset, but travel impacts will persist into the evening hours.
