High winds earlier this week raised havoc with truckers on Wyoming's highways.
The state's Department of Transportation reports the ongoing high wind event caused 39 vehicles to crash on Wyoming highways so far this week, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Sustained wind speeds were clocked at between 35 and 45 mph, with gusts from 55 to 75 mph in Wyoming and northern Colorado.
Wyoming Highway Patrol
On Thursday, the Wyoming Highway Patrol said, "The Dangerous Trio of Wyo Hill (I-25, mile markers 2-3), Bordeaux (I-25 MM 71) and Cooper Cove (I-80, mile marker 279) continue to be hot spots. However, blow-overs are primarily taking place between Laramie and Elk Mountain on I-80 and from Cheyenne to Wheatland on I-25. Of the 13 blow-overs officially reported thus far on I-80 since Tuesday, 9 of them took place in a six mile span of highway near Coopers Cove."
With winter being the state’s windiest months, the Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming Highway Patrol warned drivers of all vehicle types to use caution and pay close attention to highway signage.
WYDOT updates the minimum weights listed on overhead digital messaging signs based on real-time wind speeds. Drivers should check weight-based wind closure information often to ensure travel is permitted.
During powerful wind events, WYDOT and the Wyoming Highway Patrol urge all travelers to heed wind closure warnings. Driving a prohibited vehicle during these closures can lead to hefty fines, including fines for any damage to the roadway.
In addition, a single blow-over event often occupies several troopers, along with additional towing and emergency vehicles, tying up critical resources that may be needed elsewhere and sometimes forcing the highway to close to all traffic for debris cleanup, said WDOT.
Drivers can check wind closures and wind speeds anytime at www.wyoroad.info or via the Wyoming 511 mobile app.
