How Wind Shapes Life in Wyoming
Wyoming’s winds are more than just a natural phenomenon—they’re a defining feature of life in the Cowboy State, Cowboy State Daily reports.
With gusts that can disrupt daily life and influence everything from construction to insurance premiums, residents have adapted to the ever-present challenge.
The most powerful wind gust recorded in Wyoming reached 128 mph in Clark in April 2022, according to the National Weather Service. While such extremes are rare, wind speeds frequently hit levels that can close highways, damage property, and test the resolve of locals and visitors alike.
For Wyoming residents, the wind requires practical adjustments. Homeowners often invest in higher-quality materials to secure storm doors and install them with extra-long screws to withstand gusts of 80 mph or more.
Wind’s impact is also evident on Wyoming’s highways. Windsocks line roads like Interstates 80 and 25, where high-profile vehicles often face closures during wind speeds exceeding 50 mph. In January 2024, I-80 was closed to commercial vehicles 6.22% of the time, primarily due to wind conditions.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol attributes several fatal crashes each year to severe wind, underscoring its dangers for motorists.
Wyoming’s wind isn’t all bad—it’s a powerful resource. Ranked seventh among contiguous US states for wind energy potential, Wyoming has the capacity to generate 747 billion kilowatt-hours per year, enough to power 66 million homes annually.
Still, the wind’s strength has financial implications. Insurance claims related to wind damage are common, particularly for roofs and fences.
“The older the roof, the weaker it gets,” said Jim Waldron, a Casper insurance agent.
Claims also include incidents like car doors being yanked open by wind or vehicles being sandblasted by flying debris.
At Casper/Natrona County International Airport, wind limits when hangar doors can be opened and planes towed. Gusts exceeding 55 knots (about 63 mph) necessitate extra precautions. Pilot and mechanic Dalton Butler said strong crosswinds can complicate landings and even flip planes, as occurred last year.
For businesses like Gordon’s Windows and Doors in Casper, wind-driven damage means frequent calls for repairs. Gordon Milne, the owner, installs doors with reinforced screws to prevent them from being torn off by strong gusts.
Wyoming’s geography plays a significant role in its windy reputation. Gaps in mountain ranges funnel air through areas like southern Wyoming, making regions such as the I-80 corridor particularly susceptible to strong winds. Central Wyoming, including Casper, is another area where the wind feels nearly constant.
Tony Bergantino, director of the Wyoming Water Resources Data System, explained that his agency’s network of weather stations monitors wind alongside moisture and temperature. He noted that while the wind can disrupt daily life, it has its perks.
“It’s pretty nice in mosquito season,” Bergantino said.
