High Wind — South Laramie Range, Wyoming

2020-01-31 · South Laramie Range, Wyoming

Event narrative

Wyoming Department of Transportation site at Hynds Lodge Road located five miles north--northeast of Buford reported maximum gust of 59 mph. Gusts in the upper 50 mph range occurred at Wyoming Department of Transportation sites throughout the day. A 24 vehicle accident occurred due to these strong winds and blowing/drifting snow prompting Interstate 80 to be closed in both directions. Multiple indirect injuries occurred during this accident. High winds continued to blow across the area into February.

Wider weather episode

A prolonged high wind event occurred across southeast Wyoming from 31 January through the 1st of February 2020. Strong winds combined with recent snow fall to create a multiple vehicle accident east of Laramie on 31 January.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 867918. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.