A powerful winter storm is set to bring significant snow and strong winds to northeast Wyoming, with up to 9 inches of snow expected in some areas, accompanied by gusts reaching 50 mph, Cowboy State Daily reports.
This storm, which is predicted to continue through Wednesday morning, marks the first major winter weather event for the region this season.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Northern Black Hills of Wyoming and South Dakota, effective until 5 a.m. Wednesday. The storm is expected to impact high-elevation areas most significantly, with snow accumulating rapidly in the higher terrain. According to Shane Eagan, a meteorologist with the NWS in Rapid City, South Dakota, the amount of snow will depend heavily on elevation, with areas like Sundance likely to see 3-6 inches by Wednesday. However, regions further up could receive up to a foot or more of snow.
In addition to the heavy snow, wind gusts of up to 50 mph will create blizzard-like conditions, particularly in Crook and Weston counties.
“The snowfall potential increases as the cold air hits the upslope,” said Eagan.
He explained how the storm’s intensity is driven by the local terrain. While much of Wyoming will remain dry, some light snow is expected in areas like Sheridan and Gillette. Travel in parts of the region, particularly along the I-90 corridor, could be challenging, with persistent snow and reduced visibility expected in the coming days.
The cold front driving this storm will linger throughout the week, bringing frigid conditions across the state. Despite the snow, Wyoming’s lower elevations will largely escape the worst of the storm. Meteorologist Don Day noted that while temperatures will be colder than usual, the snow in lower-lying areas will be minimal, with some brief flurries possible in the plains.
As this storm moves eastward, Wyoming will experience colder temperatures and a fluctuating weather pattern in the weeks ahead. Although much of the winter weather so far has affected the Great Lakes and Midwest, Day anticipates that colder, snowier conditions will arrive in Wyoming as 2024 progresses. The week between Christmas and New Year’s could see the start of a more intense winter season, with snow and frigid temperatures expected to become more widespread across the state.
