Wind gusts up to 60 mph were forecast for the Arlington–Elk Mountain stretch of I-80 in southern Wyoming. A High Wind Warning updated by the National Weather Service office in Cheyenne at 5:29 a.m. Mountain Time on September 14 remained in effect until 6 p.m. that day. West winds of 25 to 40 mph, with gusts as high as 60 mph, could create a serious crosswind hazard for light or high-profile vehicles such as campers and trailers.
Areas Affected
The warning covered the North Snowy Range Foothills, with Arlington, Elk Mountain, and the stretch of I-80 between them as the primary corridor. The National Weather Service identified transportation as the main impact of the warning and said strong crosswinds could endanger campers and tractor-trailers.
This was a weather warning, not a road-closure notice. Even along the same highway, wind direction and intensity can shift abruptly on exposed ridges, at points where the road emerges from cuts, and while passing large vehicles. Before leaving, check Wyoming 511 road information separately for restrictions, crashes, and wind-related advisories.
Even if campgrounds west or east of Arlington were open, conditions along the travel route were a separate concern. Do not begin towing based on reservation status alone; compare the warning’s expiration time with actual road conditions.
What RV Travelers Need to Know
Travel trailers and fifth wheels can be difficult to keep at a steady speed because their broad sides catch the wind. If possible, delay travel until after the warning period. If already on the road, it is better to stop at a safe parking area and check the latest warning and 511 information again.
At the campground, fully retract awnings and put away items that could blow loose, including chairs, tables, and grill covers, indoors or in storage compartments. Check that roof vents and exterior storage doors are secured, and do not stop on the roadside or directly beneath trees to get out of the wind.
The 6 p.m. warning expiration did not automatically mean conditions would be safe. Check the latest National Weather Service update and Wyoming 511 again immediately before departure, and adjust travel plans if gusts were still occurring.
Verified sources: National Weather Service High Wind Warning / Wyoming 511
Photo: Zachary Musser / Photographer page / Original photo file (Unsplash License)