Travelers urged to be informed, prepared for spring storm

With a large spring storm forecast to bring heavy wet snow to much of Wyoming through the weekend and into Monday, drivers planning to travel in the coming days should monitor the weather forecast and check road conditions before leaving.

Snowfall accumulations are forecast to reach 9 inches to 19 inches in the I-80 corridor between Cheyenne and Laramie, 6 inches to 18 inches between Laramie and Rawlins and 7 inches to 15 inches on the I-25 corridor between Cheyenne and Douglas.

The snowy and windy conditions being forecast could lead to hazardous driving conditions including poor visibility, and wet, slushy and icy roads, possibly requiring highway closures.

“If you’re planning to travel, please make sure you know what the conditions are before you leave, and based on the importance of the trip and your experience and comfort level driving in those conditions, decide whether you should make the trip,” said WYDOT District Maintenance Engineer Tim McGary. “If you decide to go, allow extra time to get to your destination so you can travel at a safe speed for the conditions.”

Motorists also are urged to make sure their fuel tanks are full and cell phones are charged before leaving, and to carry food, water and warm clothing in case they get stranded.

Travelers can check highway conditions by going to www.wyoroad.info, or dialing 511 in Wyoming or 1-888-WYO-ROAD (1-888-996-7623) from outside Wyoming.