Cheyenne, WY – Wind gusts up to 70 mph are blasting the Sierra Madre and Snowy ranges this afternoon, creating near-whiteout conditions that could turn backcountry travel life-threatening within minutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Cheyenne, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Sierra Madre Range and Snowy Range until 5 p.m. MST Wednesday. Additional snowfall of up to 4 inches is expected, with powerful wind gusts capable of producing blowing and drifting snow across higher elevations.
Conditions are especially dangerous near Centennial and Albany, where exposed ridgelines and open terrain can quickly disorient hikers and snowmobilers. Wind chills are plunging fast enough to trigger frostbite in a short window of exposure. Hypothermia remains a serious threat for anyone stranded or unprepared.
Travel along high-elevation routes, including stretches near Wyoming Highway 130 through the Snowy Range, may become very difficult as visibility drops and drifts form across roadways. Officials urge drivers to slow down and check Wyoming 511 for real-time road updates before heading out.
The warning expires at 5 p.m., but strong winds may continue to cause blowing snow into the evening. Additional advisories could follow if conditions persist.
