High Wind in Converse County Lower Elevations, Wyoming

Strong wind gusts between 65 to 75 MPH was observed at most observation stations across the lower elevations of Converse County. Peak gust of 75 MPH reported at Douglas Airport ASOS and a mesonet sensor southwest of town, and 77 MPH southwest of Glenrock.

A rare strong and damaging downslope wind event started in the early morning hours of March 12th and continued through March 13th. Intense mountain wave activity was also a contributing factor to widespread wind gusts between 80 to 110 MPH across southeast Wyoming. Numerous reports of tree damage, power outages, and property damage including flipped over sixteen-wheeler tractor trailer trucks were reported to WYDOT and the National Weather Service. Areas of blowing dust also resulted in lower visibility on area roadways, which added to the already difficult travel scenario.