WYDOT, WHP stay busy during storm

Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming Highway Patrol have been busy during the recent snowstorm ensuring the roads are safe for travelers.

WYDOT crews have been out plowing the interstates and highways since the storm started a few days ago. 

Although crews have been out maintaining the roads, there have been closures due to poor visibility, crashes and local authority requests.

Closures due to local authority requests occur when communities experience a higher than normal volume of traffic and resources are strained. The road is then closed further back so a community doesn’t become inundated.

WHP also stayed busy during the storm. As of noon Monday, Jan. 21, dispatch logged more than 83 crashes statewide, WHP reported. Out of those crashes, 39 occurred on Interstate 80 and 44 on other interstates and highways.

For the rest of Tuesday, Jan. 22, snow showers will continue in the southern and southeast areas of the state with light snow in the northwest.

There will be widespread blowing and drifting snow throughout the state. Winds speeds will vary throughout the state. Winds speeds are expected to be 10 to 25 mph in the southwestern parts of the state, 20 to 40 mph in the south-central parts and 25 to 55 mph in the southeastern parts.

In the central parts, winds are expected to be 20 to 45 mph. In the norther parts, they are expected to be 15 to 30 mph.

High temperatures are expected to be in the 20s to lower 30s throughout the state.

Motorists can get the latest road and travel information by visiting WYDOT’s 511 website. They can also download the 511 app to get the latest information on their smartphones.