70 MPH Winds, Heavy Snow Expected In SE Wyoming

The Cheyenne Office of the National Weather Service is warning about the possibility of 70 miles per hour winds and up to two feet of snow in parts of southeast Wyoming over the next couple of days.

The service issued this statement on its Facebook page early Saturday:

''Lots going on weather wise across southeast Wyoming and Nebraska Panhandle the next few days. Starting off today, the southern Nebraska Panhandle likely to see north to northwest winds gusting close to 60 mph after sunrise today that will continue through 6PM before easing. If travelling Interstate 80 in the Panhandle today near Kimball and Sidney, you stand an increased risk of being blown off the road with these strong cross winds. Especially if you're driving a light load semi truck or towing a camper trailer. By Sunday, strong winds are expected to return to southeast Wyoming ahead of strong low pressure system currently moving into the Pacific northwest. High Wind Watches have been issued for areas along and west of Interstate 25 in southeast Wyoming. We're expecting these winds to increase as early as 8AM Sunday and persist through midnight Sunday night. Wind prone areas (Arlington, Bordeaux, south Laramie Range) likely to see wind gusts in excess of 70 mph. Laramie and Rawlins likely to see 60 mph winds. Finally, the Snowy and Sierra Madre Ranges likely to see close to 2 feet of snow through Monday afternoon as the low moves through the area, where we have Winter Storm Warnings posted through Monday afternoon. Impacts to travel on Interstate 80 looking to increase around the Arlington area where strong winds and up to 4 inches of snow could produce blizzard conditions. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the Arlington area from 8 AM Sunday through 6PM Monday. Certainly not a good time to travel through southeast Wyoming. If you can, delay your travel or plan an alternate route to reach your destination.''