High Wind — Shirley Basin, Wyoming

2021-12-30 · Shirley Basin, Wyoming

Event narrative

Union Pacific Railroad mesonet station MEDIC1 (UP087) measured sustained winds greater than 40 MPH for over an hour 2 miles east-southeast of Medicine Bow. Maximum wind gust of 57 MPH was measured during this period.

Wider weather episode

One more widespread high wind event across southeast Wyoming to close out the year. High winds and blowing snow resulted in extended closures of Interstate 80 and 25 on the 30th. Maximum wind gust of 99 MPH was reported along Interstate 25 north of Wheatland. Additionally, winds were strong enough near Arlington to loft crystals from a 3 day old snowpack to create localized areas of reduced visibility in blowing snow.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 991679. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.