October 12, 2021 |
The first snow event of the season will produce major travel impacts Tuesday and Wednesday across much of Wyoming. With the forecast calling for a significant amount of snow and strong, sustained winds, blizzard conditions could develop on Interstate 80 near Arlington and Elk Mountain. The rest of Carbon County can expect moderate to heavy snow and strong winds, as well.
Chad Hahn with the National Weather Service said accumulations in Rawlins and Saratoga will be in the two to six inch range. Strong winds developing later today will make driving difficult in and out of Rawlins.
Pictured above: I-80 and US287/WY789 around the Rawlins area were experiencing roads slick with snowfall and strong winds Tuesday morning. Photo courtesy WYDOT District 1 – Southeast Wyoming/Facebook.
Heavier amounts of snow are expected around Arlington, with eight to 12 inches expect there. Most of the snow will drop today and tonight, followed by strong winds tomorrow.
Be prepared for the storm to pick up intensity throughout the day today. Travel conditions will begin to deteriorate by this afternoon, with the worst conditions, and possible road closures tonight.
Snowfall amounts will vary with the heaviest accumulations falling in the mountains of Carbon County and north from Medicine Bow through the Shirley Basin to Casper. The weather models for the lower elevations of the county varied widely yesterday. Moderate amounts are expected, Hahn said, but Rawlins and Saratoga could get pounded with more.
Expect snow covered roads, blowing snow and difficult travel conditions for much of today and tomorrow. Don’t be surprised if roads closed. Carry survival supplies if you do plan to head out in this storm, the first of the season.
