Climate Environment USA Wyoming

Southern Wyoming Endures High Winds Over Weekend

Southern Wyoming Endures High Winds Over Weekend
WYDOT
  • PublishedDecember 16, 2024

Communities across southern Wyoming faced powerful winds over the weekend, with gusts reaching over 80 mph in certain areas.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Cheyenne reported that some of the strongest gusts were recorded in Bordeaux, where winds peaked at 81 mph.

Cheyenne experienced gusts as high as 68 mph, while Douglas saw winds reaching up to 74 mph. Other notable wind speeds were recorded in Whitaker, Sibley Peak, and Rawlins, each experiencing gusts close to 70 mph.

The NWS in Cheyenne advised motorists, especially those driving light, high-profile vehicles, to exercise caution during the periods of intense winds. High winds can create hazardous driving conditions, increasing the risk of rollovers and loss of vehicle control. The NWS recommends staying off the roads during extreme wind events whenever possible.

High winds are not uncommon for southern Wyoming, where weather patterns often bring strong gusts, particularly during seasonal transitions. Communities in the region have grown accustomed to these conditions, but extreme gusts like those seen this weekend still pose safety risks for travelers and residents alike.

County 10, Cowboy State Daily, and Oil City News contributed to this report.

Joe Yans

Joe Yans is a 25-year-old journalist and interviewer based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. As a local news correspondent and an opinion section interviewer for Wyoming Star, Joe has covered a wide range of critical topics, including the Israel-Palestine war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the 2024 U.S. presidential election, and the 2025 LA wildfires. Beyond reporting, Joe has conducted in-depth interviews with prominent scholars from top US and international universities, bringing expert perspectives to complex global and domestic issues.