Week of adverse weather ends
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PLATTE COUNTY – Many events had to be postponed and rescheduled as snow fell, along with the temperatures, and closed the I-25 corridor for three days from Cheyenne to Glendo and Highway 85 from Cheyenne to Torrington.
Last Tuesday, a CODE RED was issued for Wheatland and outlying areas including I-25/US 87 between Exit 73, WY 34 and was closed in sections for three days. Areas like Slater and Bordeaux were still digging out last Thursday and Friday.
Due to blowing winds and drifts no unnecessary travel was suggested, but that only applied to those who could actually get out of their driveways with some families still snow bound through last weekend. Most residents said that they hadn’t seen snow like this since they were kids and the snow was walled up on either side of the roads to 10-12 feet in some areas.
WYDOT closed several sections of I-25 initially with hope of a temporary closer. As the snow and cold temperatures became a factor, the corridor was closed for days. Last Wednesday truckers and motorists were stranded in Cheyenne and anyone traveling north was simply out of luck. A convoy was created, led by WYDOT that involved approximately 25 vehicles that made the slow and arduous trek to Wheatland, 25 miles away.
Although temperatures rose to the mid-30s by the middle of the week, the wind gusts that were recorded as high as 70 mph near Bordeaux were blowing and drifting the snow, hampering snow removal efforts.
Warmer weekend temperatures in the 40s have begun melting the hardpacked ice and are making the roads in town slushy and icy in spots. At night as the temps drop below freezing, everything that has melted is refreezing and once again, making travel difficult on secondary roads.
"60+ mph winds will create significant blowing and drifting snow, poor visibility and possible whiteout/ground blizzard conditions through Wednesday evening," WYDOT posted. "Alternate routes and travel times are encouraged for I-80, I-25, South Pass and secondary roads in central, southern and eastern Wyoming."
All roads are now open but snow removal crews are still cleaning up. Those people who are traveling can check the WYDOT road closures at https://wyoroad.info/pls/Browse/WRR.RoutesResults for more information.
Temperatures for the next 10 days are supposed to be near or above normal as the warmer temps are causing the snow to melt.