National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

The ingredients for a major winter storm are coming together this evening. Over two feet of snow is possible in the western mountains, with the Tetons expected to be hit the hardest. Strong winds ahead of the storm are ongoing across the central wind corridor between Jeffrey City and Casper, as well as in the Cody foothills. Wind gusts have already been measured at hurricane force in some spots, but most areas under the High Wind Warnings can expect sustained 30+ mph winds with gusts approaching 50 mph overnight.

The combination of the heavy wet snow and strong winds have prompted the issuance of an Avalanche Warning across much of the west as well.

A strong storm system continues to take aim on western Wyoming this evening. Current radar images show bands of heavier snow beginning to enter the west. (click on the above animation for a larger version) and (click here for the latest radar loop)

The heaviest snow will occur overnight tonight. Snow will mix with freezing rain at times in the valleys before 3am.  The potential remains for mountain locations to generally receive from 10 to 20 inches of snow with higher amounts in the Tetons.  Gusty west wind of 20 to 35 mph could also occur with the snow.  Valley locations are likely to see 5 to 10 inches of snow. 

The above animation shows the 6 hourly snow accumulation from the GFS model. The loop begins at 18Z Wednesday (or 11am this morning) and ends at 06Z Friday (or 11pm Thursday night) Image Key: Light Purple = Less than 1 inch of snow accumulation during the 6hr period Gray = 1 to 2 inches Yellow = 2 to 3 inches Blue = 3 to 6 inches Red = 6 + inches (or at least 1 inch of snow per hour!)	This picture shows roughly how much snow you can expect where you live. Click on the image to see a larger resolution version.

Please keep an eye on our homepage for the latest updates on the ongoing winter storm. Also, please "like" us on Facebook and put your snow and wind reports on our wall - and your pictures are certainly welcome too!

And, before you travel, please know before you go! Check the road conditions at WYDOT's website here.