Well, it’s official—winter is giving us one last show in Riverton. On Tuesday, a snowstorm is rolling in, and it’s bringing more than just a light dusting. We’re looking at heavy snow, strong winds, and blizzard conditions that will make travel tough. The storm will stick around until 6 PM, and you’ll want to be prepared. Here’s what you can expect and how to stay safe.
What’s Going to Happen:
If you’ve been hoping for warmer spring weather, you might want to hold off on that optimism. Snow will begin falling this morning, and it’s not going to let up until later in the afternoon. By the time the snow clears out, we’re expecting anywhere from 4 to 6 inches of accumulation, with some areas possibly getting even more. While it may not be a record-breaking snowstorm, the real challenge will be the winds.
Gusts of 30 to 40 MPH will make the snow feel even worse, turning a regular snowstorm into blizzard-like conditions. Visibility will drop significantly, and roads will become dangerously slick. The snow will likely fall heavily throughout the afternoon, so expect roads to get worse as the day goes on.
To top it all off, temperatures will stay chilly, hovering between 20°F and 25°F. And with the wind chill, it’s going to feel even colder. So, don’t be fooled by the calendar—it’s still winter in Wyoming!
Why You Should Be Concerned:
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Travel Will Be Risky: If you don’t absolutely have to drive today, it’s best to stay put. The snow, combined with those high winds, will make driving treacherous. Roads are going to be slick, and with the heavy snow and reduced visibility, it will be hard to see more than a few feet in front of you. If you have to get out on the road, be extra cautious. Take it slow, give yourself plenty of space between vehicles, and watch out for icy patches that could pop up unexpectedly.
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Blizzard Conditions: This isn’t just a regular snowstorm—winds will whip up the snow and reduce visibility to near zero at times. If you’re on the road, don’t be surprised if you feel like you can’t see more than a few feet ahead of you. For pedestrians, avoid walking unless you really need to be out there. The strong winds can make it hard to see where you’re going, and getting disoriented in a storm like this could be dangerous.
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Cold, Cold, Cold: Yes, it’s spring, but it’s still bitterly cold out there. Temperatures are going to stay in the low 20s all day, and when you factor in the wind chill, it’s going to feel much colder. If you have to go outside, layer up. Wear a warm coat, gloves, scarf, and a hat—trust us, you’ll be glad you did.
How to Stay Safe:
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Stay Off the Roads if You Can: The best advice? If you don’t need to go anywhere, don’t. Stay off the roads and stay warm at home. If you absolutely have to drive, make sure your car is winter-ready. Check your tires, make sure your windshield wipers are working properly, and keep your gas tank at least half full. If you get stuck, having a full tank will give you the extra power you need to stay warm.
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Winterize Your Car: It’s always better to be prepared than sorry. Keep an emergency kit in your car with essentials like blankets, snacks, water, and a flashlight. Even if you’re just running a quick errand, the weather can change quickly. Also, make sure your car’s winter tires are in good shape, and don’t forget to clear your windshield before hitting the road!
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Dress for the Weather: Temperatures may be hovering around the 20s, but with wind chill, it’s going to feel much colder. Bundle up with multiple layers, a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. If you have to be outside for any length of time, make sure you’re protecting your face and hands from the cold.
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Stay Updated: This storm will move through fast, but conditions could change quickly. Make sure you’re checking the weather updates regularly throughout the day to stay in the loop. If there are any changes to warnings or travel advisories, you’ll want to know.
Why Is This Happening?
It may feel like winter should be done by now, but Wyoming weather can be unpredictable. This storm is being driven by a low-pressure system that’s moving through the region. When cold air meets moisture in the atmosphere, it creates the perfect conditions for heavy snow. The strong winds just make everything worse, kicking up snow and reducing visibility. So even though we’re in the middle of spring, don’t be surprised when winter shows up uninvited.
It’s not the snowstorm we’d expect in April, but it’s definitely one we have to take seriously. If you’re in Riverton, prepare for a tough day of travel with heavy snow, high winds, and frigid temperatures. If you don’t have to leave your house, stay home and stay warm. But if you do have to venture out, take extra precautions—slow down on the road, bundle up, and watch for rapidly changing conditions.
