Winter Storm — Sedgwick and Phillips Counties, Colorado

1998-12-18 · Sedgwick and Phillips Counties, Colorado

Wider weather episode

Whiteout conditions occurred near the Wyoming border as gusty winds to 40 mph combined with heavy, relatively stationary, bands of snow. Portions of U.S. Highways 85 and 287 were closed due to the treacherous weather conditions. Interstate 25, from Wellington to the Wyoming State Line was also closed for a time due to numerous accidents. The blinding snowstorm made it difficult for the rescue crews to reach some of the accident victims. Snowfall totals included: 12 inches 21 miles north of New Raymer, 9 inches 6 miles south of New Raymer, 8 inches 7 miles east-northeast of Virginia Dale, 7 inches 9 miles northwest of Livermore, 6 inches at Hohnholz Ranch and 9 miles west-southwest of Rustic with 5 inches reported 4 miles east of Haxtun and at Hereford.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5676971. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.