Major snowstorm expected to move through Wyoming

NOTE: This is an update to a previous weather story. This has updated snowfall totals for interstates 80 and 25.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation will shift workers from the northern part of the state toward the south to help with snow removal on Interstate 80 and other roads if weather conditions from the forecasted storm deteriorate.
 
Although WYDOT may send additional crews and equipment, there will be personnel left in those parts of the state that will be able to take care of snow in the northern areas.
 
WYDOT always works to ensure roads remain open and only closes them for vehicle crashes or when weather conditions deteriorate, causing poor visibility and unsafe traveling conditions.
 
“WYDOT will use its resources where they’re needed to ensure the safety of the traveling public and in an effort to keep the roads open,” said Mark Gillett, assistant chief engineer – Operations. “We’re keeping an eye on the storms and we will be ready with additional workers should we need them. We shift people to fight storms wherever they occur.”
 
Two storm systems are expected to move through Wyoming, bringing snowfall and high winds. The first storm will move through the state starting Sunday into Tuesday and will produce significant snowfall along the I-80 and I-25 corridors.
 
From Nebraska to Cheyenne, the storm is expected to produce 3 to 5 inches of snow and possibly more, said Mark Heuer, meteorologist with DayWeather in Cheyenne. From Laramie to Cheyenne, the storm is expected to produce 5 to 9 inches.
 
From Rawlins to Laramie, storm totals are also expected to be 5 to 9 inches. From Rock Springs to Rawlins, the storm is anticipated to produce 3 to 6 inches. From Utah to Rock Springs, the storm is expected to produce 4 to 8 inches.

Along Interstate 25, the storm will bring 5 to 9 inches from Buffalo to Douglas, 4 to 8 inches from Douglas to Wheatland, 5 to 9 inches from Wheatland to Cheyenne and 3 to 5 inches from Cheyenne to the Colorado border.

Another storm system will move into Wyoming on Wednesday. That system will be more widespread with snow impacting many areas throughout the state.
 
“This is an example of how WYDOT is maximizing its resources to keep business moving forward,” WYDOT Director Bill Panos said. “During a weather event like this it can be especially challenging to do that. However, an effort like this highlights our commitment to the people and communities of this great state.”
 
Earlier this week, I-80 between Laramie and Walcott closed due to a hazmat crash. The truck’s hazardous contents spilled onto the road, dumping hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid and flammable materials.
 
The road was closed for an extended period of time to allow hazmat crews time to clean the area, and so WYDOT could check the road surface for the safety of the traveling public and to ensure there was no road damage.
 
Sections of I-80 also closed Friday because of winter conditions and crashes. WYDOT crews worked continuously to plow and maintain the roads. However, poor visibility and crashes resulted in the closures. The roads reopened late Friday afternoon.
 
Motorists needing the latest road and travel conditions can visit WYDOT’s 511 website. They can also download WYDOT’s 511 app for their smartphones to get hands-free, eyes-free real-time information when they travel.