Cheyenne, Wyoming – Drivers crossing Wyoming’s open highways during powerful spring storms could face a life-threatening situation if a tornado suddenly develops nearby. Long rural corridors along Interstate 80, Interstate 25, and U.S. Highway 287 stretch across wide plains where towns and sturdy buildings can be dozens of miles apart when severe thunderstorms begin rotating.
According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes are less common in Wyoming than in the central Plains, but spring storms across the eastern part of the state can still produce sudden tornadoes when warm air collides with colder air descending from the Rocky Mountains. These storms can produce tornado winds approaching 90 to 100 mph, while blowing debris becomes the greatest danger for drivers caught along exposed highways.
Emergency managers warn that vehicles provide little protection from tornado-force winds. If a tornado warning is issued while driving or a funnel cloud becomes visible, motorists should exit the roadway immediately and seek shelter inside the nearest sturdy building. Gas stations, truck stops, and travel centers along major highways often provide significantly better protection than remaining inside a vehicle.
If no buildings are available along remote stretches of road, drivers should safely pull off the highway, leave the vehicle, and move to the lowest ground available such as a ditch or depression. Lying flat while covering the head and neck with your arms or a jacket can help reduce the risk of injury from flying debris.
NOAA safety guidance strongly warns drivers not to shelter beneath highway overpasses. Winds can accelerate through these structures, and debris often funnels underneath them, increasing the risk of serious injury.
Travelers across Wyoming should closely monitor weather alerts during spring storm season before starting long highway trips. Tornado warnings can be issued with little lead time, and emergency officials say acting immediately is critical when severe storms rapidly intensify.
