Cheyenne, Wyoming – Powerful crosswinds capable of overturning lightweight vehicles could slam highways across southeast Wyoming within hours Thursday morning, with wind gusts potentially reaching 100 mph along the Laramie Range and Interstate 80 Summit corridor.
According to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne, a High Wind Warning remains in effect through midnight Saturday night across much of southeast Wyoming, including the Laramie Range, I-80 Summit between Cheyenne and Laramie, the Bordeaux area along Interstate 25, Converse County, Carbon County, and the Laramie Valley. West winds of 40 to 60 mph with gusts up to 100 mph are expected in mountain gaps and wind-prone areas, while surrounding valleys could see 30 to 50 mph winds with gusts approaching 90 mph.
Cities including Cheyenne, Laramie, Douglas, Rawlins, Saratoga, Glenrock, and Wheatland may experience sudden gusts strong enough to push trucks and RVs across lanes. Transportation officials frequently close portions of Interstate 80 near Arlington, Elk Mountain, and Vedauwoo during extreme wind events due to dangerous crosswinds.
Across the Nebraska Panhandle, including Scottsbluff, Alliance, Chadron, Kimball, and Sidney, winds could reach 75 mph between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday, raising the risk of blowing dust and reduced visibility on open highways.
Emergency managers warn the extended wind event could also create fire control problems if grass fires start, as dry fuels combine with powerful gusts.
Drivers hauling trailers or operating semitrucks should consider delaying travel, especially across exposed stretches of I-80 and I-25. Residents should secure outdoor objects that could become airborne in the wind.
Strong winds may ease at times but are expected to continue intermittently through Saturday night, and additional transportation advisories or road restrictions may follow.
