
Multiple Big Rigs Toppled in Wyoming Wind Gusts of Nearly 80 MPH
Chugwater, WY – Multiple big rigs were toppled today in Wyoming as officials said wind gust of nearly 80 mph were recorded.
An Amazon tractor-trailer was one of the victims of the high winds.
It was blown over at approximately 5:54 a.m. while traveling along a bridge on Interstate 25, south of Chugwater.
An image from the scene reveals the the semi-trailer left dangerously dangling over the edge.
Jeff Goetz with the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) said wind warning and closures to high profile vehicles were posted well prior to the accident.
“Gusts in area now 70+ mph,” he Tweeted. “Underscores importance of heeding wind warnings and closures.”
Pic is blow over crash I-25 NB at mp. 54. Wind warnings and closures to high profile vehicles were posted well prior. Crash occurred at 5:54 a.m. still being worked. Gusts in area now 70+ mph. Underscores importance of heeding wind warnings and closures. #wyoroad pic.twitter.com/gxL3aGAQzh
— Jeff Goetz (@D2PIO) February 22, 2021
Another tractor-trailer was reported toppled at approximately 9 a.m. along I-25 southbound at Bordeaux at milepost 70.
The big rig was blocking all southbound lanes.
Crash just reported I-25 southbound at Bordeaux – milepost 70. As you can see, all lanes are currently blocked. #wyoroad pic.twitter.com/L1sGGeqnB4
— Jeff Goetz (@D2PIO) February 22, 2021
Yet another big rig blow over accident was reported at approximately 10 a.m. northbound on I-25 near Wyoming Hill at mile marker 3.
“I-25 between Colo. & Wheatland is closed to light, high-profile vehicles due to strong crosswinds posing an extreme blow-over risk. Pull aside and save your ride!” WYDOT said.
I-80 is open to traffic EXCEPT light, high-profile vehicles. Strong winds continue to pose an extreme blow-over risk.
Wind-related closures to light, high-prof. vehicles on I-80 btw. Cheyenne & Rawlins, I-25 btw. Colo & Casper, among others. Pull aside, save your ride! #wyoroad pic.twitter.com/SGv6pLnSTX— WYDOT District 1 (@wydot1) February 22, 2021
No information has yet been made available about the condition of the truck drivers involved.
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A High Wind Warning remains in effect through Tuesday morning for much of Southeast Wyoming.
High Wind Warning in effect through Tuesday morning for wind-prone areas of Southeast Wyoming. #wywx #wyoroad pic.twitter.com/U04cEwpKUD
— NWS Cheyenne (@NWSCheyenne) February 22, 2021
Whiteout conditions also led to the closure of I-80 between Laramie and Rawlins.
I-80 closed btw Laramie & Rawlins due to wintry conditions, incl. near whiteout conditions. Rolling closures EB out of Cheyenne & WB out of Rock Sprgs. Est. reopening time: 4-6 hrs.
Other closed routes: WYO 487 N of Med. Bow, US 30/287 btw. Bosler & Walcott Jct, WYO 225 #wyoroad pic.twitter.com/MbWYMjJDFC— WYDOT District 1 (@wydot1) February 22, 2021
Officials are urging truckers and all motorists to travel with caution.
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