NWS Cheyenne: Heavy Snow, 60 MPH Gusts Could Make Travel ‘Very Difficult’

Heavy mountain snow combined with wind gusts as high as 60 mph could make travel "very difficult" in southeast Wyoming Friday and Saturday, the National Weather Service in Cheyenne says.

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the Sierra Madre Range and a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the Snowy Range.

The warnings are in effect from 6 a.m. Friday through 6 p.m. Saturday, and call for 8 to 14 inches of snow in the Sierra Madres, 6 to 12 inches of snow in the Snowies, and wind gusts as high as 60 mph.

"Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility," the NWS said.

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
140 PM MST Thu Mar 9 2023

WYZ112-101200-
/O.UPG.KCYS.WS.A.0006.230310T1300Z-230312T0100Z/
/O.NEW.KCYS.WS.W.0006.230310T1300Z-230312T0100Z/
Sierra Madre Range-
140 PM MST Thu Mar 9 2023

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM FRIDAY TO 6 PM MST
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 14
  inches. Higher accumulations possible above 9500 feet. Winds
  gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Sierra Madre Range.

* WHEN...From 6 AM Friday to 6 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Patchy blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
140 PM MST Thu Mar 9 2023

WYZ114-101200-
/O.UPG.KCYS.WS.A.0006.230310T1300Z-230312T0100Z/
/O.NEW.KCYS.WW.Y.0017.230310T1300Z-230312T0100Z/
Snowy Range-
Including the cities of Centennial and Albany
140 PM MST Thu Mar 9 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM FRIDAY TO 6 PM MST
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 12
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Snowy Range.

* WHEN...From 6 AM Friday to 6 PM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Patchy blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

A High Wind Warning is also in effect from 6 a.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday, which includes Rawlins, Elk Mountain, and Arlington.

Southwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph are expected.

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Cheyenne WY
131 PM MST Thu Mar 9 2023

WYZ104-105-109-110-101200-
/O.UPG.KCYS.HW.A.0026.230310T1300Z-230311T1300Z/
/O.NEW.KCYS.HW.W.0024.230310T1300Z-230311T1300Z/
Ferris/Seminoe/Shirley Mountains-Shirley Basin-
Central Carbon County-North Snowy Range Foothills-
Including the cities of Seminoe Dam, Medicine Bow, Shirley Basin,
Rawlins, Arlington, and Elk Mountain
131 PM MST Thu Mar 9 2023

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 AM FRIDAY TO 6 AM MST
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph
  expected.

* WHERE...Ferris/Seminoe/Shirley Mountains, Shirley Basin,
  Central Carbon County and North Snowy Range Foothills.

* WHEN...From 6 AM Friday to 6 AM MST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Mainly to transportation. Strong cross winds will be
  hazardous to light weight or high profile vehicles, including
  campers and tractor trailers.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A High Wind Warning means a hazardous high wind event is expected
or occurring. Sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts
of 58 mph or more can lead to property damage.

Drivers are encouraged to call 511 or visit wyoroad.info for the latest road conditions and closures.

March 9th Afternoon Update: High Wind headlines are in effect for portions of southeast WY for Friday and Friday night. Winter Storm headlines have been issued for the mountains for Friday and Saturday. Highest snowfall totals are expected above 9500 feet elevation.