Wyoming is bracing for a significant winter weather system that is expected to bring snow and freezing temperatures to much of the state.
Beginning Monday night and lasting through Wednesday morning, a storm moving diagonally from southwest to northeast will cover a large portion of Wyoming with snowfall. Winter Weather Advisories and Warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for several counties across western and central Wyoming, with some areas expected to receive substantial snow accumulations.
According to Cowboy State Daily meteorologist Don Day, the system’s path will primarily affect a “strip” moving northeast from Evanston to Rapid City, creating the heaviest snow bands along this line. Areas within this diagonal strip are forecasted to receive the most snowfall, with lower elevations expected to see 3–6 inches. Higher elevations, such as the Wind River, Bighorn, and Unita mountains, could see up to a foot of snow or more.
“This is the first significant snow of the season for the plains, and it’s likely to stick to both grass and pavement,” Day noted.
Road conditions are anticipated to become hazardous as early snow melts, then refreezes into ice, especially during the late afternoon and evening hours.
The NWS predicts that the towns of Evanston, Green River, Rock Springs, Lander, Riverton, Casper, and Gillette will see the biggest impacts from this storm. Affected roadways include stretches of Interstates 80, 90, and most of I-25, where drivers may encounter slick and icy conditions. Additionally, southeast Wyoming, including Cheyenne and Laramie, may see lighter snowfall but is still cautioned to expect difficult driving conditions, particularly on higher-elevation portions of I-80.
For areas in central Wyoming, such as Natrona County and Fremont County, the NWS has issued Winter Storm Warnings. Snowfall of up to 12 inches and wind gusts reaching 45 mph are forecasted for Casper Mountain, while the lower elevations may see between 6 and 12 inches. Windy conditions could further impact visibility and create the potential for downed branches.
The NWS also cautions that communities in Fremont County, including Lander and Jeffrey City, will likely face hazardous driving conditions. For residents, the NWS recommends avoiding non-essential travel, as roads may become impassable at times due to heavy snow and high winds.
Day noted that Wyoming has experienced fluctuating fall temperatures, with cold fronts followed by warmer, dry periods. However, this system could mark the start of a colder trend. Although another brief warm period may follow the storm, Wyomingites can expect future cold spells to become more frequent as winter approaches.
Day also reminded residents that daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 5, adding an extra hour of daylight in the morning but bringing earlier evenings.
With snow accumulations and icy conditions expected to affect much of Wyoming, the NWS advises residents to take precautions, particularly for morning and evening commutes. Road conditions are likely to be especially dangerous in the late afternoon and evening when melting snow can refreeze into ice. For real-time updates on Wyoming’s road conditions, travelers can visit wyoroad.info or consult District 5 road services.
County 10, Oil City News, and Cowboy State Daily contributed to this report.
