Winter storm hammers Carbon County
By Jim O’Reilly
A large winter storm threatens to bring much of southern Wyoming to a standstill with heavy snow and blizzard conditions.
In terms of sheer size, this may be the largest storm to hit the state since 1979, forecasters say. Parts of Carbon County could see 10 inches of snow or more fall by the time the system clears out Thursday.
Bigger accumulations are expected east of Carbon County, with 30 inches of snow now forecast to fall on the summit between Laramie and Cheyenne. Strong winds with gusts to 60 miles per hour will create extreme blizzard conditions at times.
The National Weather Service advises that travel could become impossible. Trooper Gabe Testerman with the Wyomng Highway Patrol in Cheyenne told Bigfoot 99 that both the WHP and WYDOT are taking extra precautions.
Trooper Testerman said the state is doing its part to keep roads safe, but travelers need to do their part as well. This includes traveling only if necessary.
If you do venture out, make sure you have food, water and other emergency supplies. If you become stuck, stay with your vehicle and make sure the exhaust pipe is clear.
Multiple roads in Carbon County closed Wednesday morning. Interstate 80 between Rawlins and Laramie is closed. WYDOT says the closure likely will extend overnight into Thursday because of weather conditions. Call 511 for the latest on road conditions and closures.
CCSD2 schools closed, healthcare meeting cancelled
The pounding winter storm prompted Carbon County School District Two to call off classes today. Superintendent Jim Copeland said with conditions forecast to grow worse through the day, classes at both the North Schools and the Platte Valley schools have been cancelled.
Carbon One District Schools are on spring break. Also cancelled is a meeting in Saratoga of the Health Care Sustainability Project. The meeting, scheduled for this evening, has been reset for Wednesday, March 20th at the Platte Valley Community Center.
A blizzard warning is in effect for Carbon County until 6 p.m. Thursday. Bigfoot 99 will have the latest weather and road reports throughout the storm.
Sheriff asks for help in locating missing teen
The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to remain vigilant as the search for a local missing teen continues. Cali O’Hare reports.
Superintendent recommends Medicine Bow and Elk Mountain schools stay open
While all Carbon County School District Two classes are cancelled today because of weather, Superintendent Jim Copeland will recommend that Medicine Bow and Elk Mountain Elementary Schools stay open at a special board meeting scheduled for Thursday. Emma Diercks reports.
Best Buddies Friendship Walk this weekend in Rawlins
A group of students in Rawlins schools is raising awareness and funding for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state through the upcoming Best Buddies Friendship Walk. Cali O’Hare has the story
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