High Wind — Central Laramie County, Wyoming

2011-12-31 · Central Laramie County, Wyoming

Event narrative

The wind sensor at the Cheyenne Regional Airport measured sustained winds of 40 mph or greater, with a peak gust of 76 mph at 31/1004L. The high winds were responsible for scattered power outages and property damage. Several large trees were uprooted, with a few on parked vehicles and houses. Just before 1100L, parts of the roof were blown off the Sam's Club in Cheyenne. Two persons were injured when they were struck by roof tiles in the parking lot. Five other persons were treated for minor wind-related injuries. Several Cheyenne businesses lost signs due to the strong wind gusts.

Wider weather episode

Very fast winds aloft combined with a steep surface pressure gradient prior to and following the passage of a fast-moving cold front produced very strong and gusty west to northwest winds throughout southeast Wyoming. Sustained winds of 35 to 55 mph with gusts from 60 to 80 mph were common. On December 31, there were several reports of blown over semi-trucks on Interstates 80 and 25, however no injuries were reported. The high winds caused scattered power outages and property damage in the Cheyenne area. There were seven wind-related injuries in Cheyenne.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 353661. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.