High Wind — Rock Springs & Green River, Wyoming

2013-03-17 · Rock Springs & Green River, Wyoming

Event narrative

A WYDOT sensor at Peru Hill on Interstate 80 recorded several wind gusts past 58 mph, including a maximum of 63 mph. In Rock Springs, several trees were downed in Rock Springs, one crushed a police car. A telephone pole was downed and 3 businesses lost their signs.

Wider weather episode

A vigorous and fast moving storm brought a period of heavy snow to the western mountains and high winds to many portions of western and central Wyoming. Up to 9 inches of snow fell in the higher elevations of Park and Teton Counties as well as portions of Yellowstone National Park. Lesser amounts fell in the Wind River Range where white-out conditions were reported over and around South Pass. In addition to the snow, high wind was reported across much of central and southwest Wyoming. Winds gusted over 70 mph in many areas, including 71 mph at Bitter Creek, 73 mph at Red Canyon, and 75 mph near Lander. The strong winds caused damage in Rock Springs, where several trees were downed, including one that crushed a police car. A telephone pole was also downed and 3 businesses lost their signs.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 432993. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.