Snow Headed for Western Wyoming; Storm to Impact Natrona County [UPDATED]
UPDATE (10 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13):
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for much of western Wyoming, as well as parts of central Wyoming and a portion of Natrona County.
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Western Wyoming will likely see snow later this week as a cold storm system makes its way across the region, with significant amounts of snow expected in the Bighorn Mountains.
The impacted areas include the Cody Foothills, North Bighorn Basin, Southwest Bighorn Basin, Southeast Bighorn Basin, Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains, western and southeastern parts of the Bighorn Mountains, Northeast Johnson County, Southeast Johnson County, Wind River Basin, Lander Foothills, Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range.
The cities of Cody, Meeteetse, Thermopolis, Worland, Buffalo, Kaycee, Dubois, Riverton, Shoshoni, Lander, Casper, Rock Springs, Green River, Wamsutter and Jeffrey City could be impacted as well.
A special weather statement posted by the National Weather Service in Riverton says widespread showers and some thunderstorms are expected ahead of the system Thursday into Thursday night.
The first part of the storm will bring snow only to the highest mountain peaks, but Friday will bring a strong cold front and falling snow levels.
Snow levels are expected to be at 10,000 feet Thursday night, falling to 6,000-7,000 feet Friday night and Saturday morning.
The Bighorn Mountains should see significant snow later Friday through Saturday as much colder air moves into the area. The Bighorns could see 4-8 inches of snow with over a foot above 10,000 feet during this period.
Lower elevations will see periods of rain Friday through Saturday, possibly mixing with or changing to snow above 6,000-7,000 feet late Friday night or early Saturday.
Freezing temperatures are also possible in low-lying areas Sunday morning.
Campers, hunters or anyone else venturing into the outdoors should monitor the weather and stay aware of the latest developments.
Some of the higher trails in the Big Horn Mountains could be covered by a significant amount of snow later Friday into Saturday. Those in the outdoors should pay attention the latest forecast and plan accordingly.