A brutal winter storm has unleashed life-threatening cold, heavy snow, and dangerous road conditions across the Nebraska Panhandle and southeastern Wyomiang. With temperatures plunging to -35°F wind chills, travel conditions deteriorating, and the risk of frostbite setting in within minutes, this storm is not to be taken lightly.
Weather officials are urging residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for extreme cold that could last for days. Here’s a full breakdown of what’s happening, what to expect next, and how you can stay safe.
Extreme Cold Alert: Frostbite Risk in Just 10 Minutes!
The Nebraska Panhandle is currently under an Extreme Cold Warning from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Cheyenne. This means that wind chills as low as -35°F (-37°C) are expected, making it dangerously cold for anyone outdoors.
At these temperatures, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Even simple outdoor tasks like walking the dog or starting your car can quickly turn dangerous. The cold also increases the risk of hypothermia, which can be deadly if you’re not properly dressed.
How to Protect Yourself from the Extreme Cold:
- Dress in layers – Wear thermal clothing, a heavy coat, gloves, and a face mask to cover exposed skin.
- Stay inside if possible – If you don’t absolutely need to go outside, don’t.
- Check on elderly family members and neighbors – The elderly and young children are especially vulnerable.
- Limit time outside for pets – Even animals can suffer from frostbite and hypothermia in extreme conditions.
Wyoming Travel Nightmare: Whiteout Conditions & Treacherous Roads
Southeastern Wyoming, including cities like Cheyenne and Laramie, is currently buried under heavy snow. The area is under a Winter Storm Warning until Wednesday morning, with up to 8 inches of snow and winds gusting at 40 mph.
These strong winds are blowing snow across highways, reducing visibility to nearly zero. If you’re on the road, it could feel like driving through a blizzard with your eyes closed. The Wyoming Department of Transportation has strongly discouraged travel, warning that roads are:
- Covered in ice and snow
- Extremely slick, especially on bridges and overpasses
- Difficult to navigate due to low visibility
If You Must Drive, Follow These Safety Tips:
- Slow down and increase following distance – Black ice will make roads extremely dangerous.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car – Include blankets, water, food, a flashlight, and a fully charged phone.
- Tell someone where you’re going – If you get stranded, rescue crews need to know where to look.
- Avoid rural roads and back highways – These are the first to become impassable in a storm.
Even a short trip could turn into a survival situation if you get stranded. If you can, postpone all travel until conditions improve.
How Long Will This Last? What’s Next?
The worst of the storm will begin to ease by Wednesday morning, but the bitter cold will stick around for several more days. Here’s what to expect:
Scottsbluff, NE – Light snow, with temps dropping to -4°F (-20°C) overnight. Highs on Wednesday will only reach 8°F (-14°C).
Cheyenne, WY – Cloudy and bitterly cold. Lows of -4°F (-20°C) and a high of 10°F (-12°C) on Wednesday.
Strong winds will continue, making it feel even colder than the actual temperature.
The Bottom Line? The danger is far from over. Even after the snow stops, the extreme cold will continue to pose serious risks. Stay prepared and check for updates frequently.
Final Safety Tips Before the Cold Sets In
- Charge your phone & keep extra batteries handy – Power outages are possible.
- Stock up on food & water – Avoid unnecessary trips to the store once the storm worsens.
- Bring pets inside – If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
- Turn up the heat – Keep your home warm now in case temperatures drop even further.
- Leave faucets dripping – This prevents pipes from freezing and bursting.
This Arctic blast is one of the most dangerous winter events of the season, and meteorologists are warning that it could last longer than expected. Don’t take any chances—stay warm, stay indoors, and stay safe.
