Interstate 25 remains closed across Wyoming on Saturday due to a blizzard.
If you're living in Casper, shopping local is your only option today. All highways connecting the city are closed due to snow and wind.
The storm, which began Friday night, has closed the entire length of Interstate 25 in Wyoming -- about 300 miles. Wyoming Highway 220 and U.S. Highway 20/26 are also closed, meaning there is no highway route out of the Oil City for the time being.
About 6 inches of snow have already fallen on Caper and more flakes are expected Saturday. Temperatures are forecast to plunge to minus 8 overnight Saturday, with wind chills as low as minus 15.
-
{{title}}
{{start_at_rate}}{{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}}{{term}}{{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}} - {{html}}
Thanks for being a subscriber.
Sorry, your subscription does not include this content.
Please call (866) 981-6397 to upgrade your subscription.
You have free articles remaining.
Despite the poor weather, the city's annual Christmas parade, set for tonight in downtown, is scheduled to proceed, according to a post by the Casper Police Department.
Interstate 25 between Casper and Buffalo is expected to reopen between 8:30 p.m and 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night. There is no estimated opening time for the remainder of the highway.
The same storm has shut down most of Interstate 80 as well. The National Weather Service office in Cheyenne advised against traveling today due to white out conditions in southeast Wyoming. Gusts there are expected to top out at about 75 mph.
Blizzard conditions are also expected to remain across Johnson County in norther central Wyoming.
Get ready to enjoy the ride
One thing's for sure: Getting around Wyoming in the winter can be an adventure. But being prepared can help ensure it's an enjoyable experience as opposed to a frigid ordeal. In addition to these tips, you can find information on safe winter driving from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov), AAA (www.exchange.aaa.com) or your insurance provider.
Bundle up
Listen to your mother: Don't head out into the cold without a coat, hat and gloves. Stash extra layers and a blanket or sleeping bag in the trunk for emergencies. And don't forget about good footwear: If you wear heels to work or flip flops to the store, make sure you have a pair of boots in the car.
Plan your route
In Wyoming, road conditions can change drastically in a matter of minutes. Think ahead to avoid notoriously icy hills or unplowed residential streets before heading across town. If you'll be traveling on the highway, check WYDOT's travel advisory page (www.wyoroad.info), for a list of closures and weather-related road conditions.
Know your vehicle
Starting out with a safe, reliable car or truck that you're comfortable driving is half the battle. In particular, make sure your tires, brakes and windshield wipers are in good condition. If you aren't used to driving in snow or ice, practice in a parking lot or other safe place to get a feel for how your vehicle handles while stopping, accelerating and turning.
Let your lights shine
Even if it's broad daylight, blowing snow and spray coming off the road can drastically reduce visibility. The stress of driving in poor conditions can also make people less aware of other vehicles. Keep your headlights on whenever driving in foul weather so other motorists can see you more easily.
Take your time
Taking things slower than usual is the key to a safe arrival. Give yourself extra room when coming to a stop, take turns slowly and accelerate as gently as possible. Reduce your speed — especially on highways — to give yourself time to react if you begin to skid or need to stop unexpectedly.
Watch out for the big guys
Tractor-trailers and other big trucks need their space. They can't stop on a dime, even in dry conditions, so give them extra room when passing, never cut them off and don't linger in their blind spots. The same goes for snow plows. If you can't pass safely, just hang back and relax.
Use extra caution on hills
Icy pavement is tricky enough to navigate when it's horizontal. When driving up a steep hill, maintain a steady speed and avoid stopping if at all possible. On downhill slopes, don't proceed if there's a risk of sliding through a stop sign or traffic light at the bottom. Shift into low gear to control your speed without locking up your brakes.
Stuck? It's probably not that bad
Provided you didn't go off the road, you should be able to get yourself out of most slippery situations with a few simple tools and tricks. If your tires spin when you try to accelerate from a stop, gently rock the car forward and back by shifting between drive and reverse until you get over the slick spot. Throw down a few handfuls of sand, rock salt or kitty litter if you need traction. And keep a shovel in the car in case you need to dig yourself out.
Make the best of it
Wyoming winters at times seem to stretch on endlessly. You're in it for the long haul, so stay positive and avoid growing careless as you become accustomed to the snow and ice. Be safe out there!
