CASPER, Wyo. — The Casper Police Department is urging the public
to be prepared for the first winter storm of the season this week.
The National Weather Service in Riverton has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Natrona County starting tomorrow, Wednesday, October 9th, 2019. This storm system is predicted to bring large amounts of heavy snow, strong winds and below freezing conditions to the area.
The urging comes from a Casper Police Department press release, sent Tuesday afternoon.
“The storm is expected to bring rain, that quickly changes into ice, and then additional snowfall on top of the ice,” the Casper Police Department statement said. “Sheets of ice underneath inches of snow create extremely dangerous driving conditions.”
The Casper PD also points out that with leaves still on many of Casper’s trees, heavy ice and snow can weigh down the branches.
“This can sometimes cause otherwise strong branches to break, devastating whatever lies beneath. Likewise, power lines can also become victims of heavy ice and snow. Downed power lines also mean loss of power to homes and businesses,” Casper Police officials said. “Please be aware of where power lines are and take necessary precautions in the event of a power outage in your area.”
The Casper PD goes on to say that it is “critically important” for motorists to allow for extra travel time, drive slowly, and to make sure you have a winter emergency kit in your car.
Police also remind drivers to brush snow and scrape ice off of windows for complete visibility.
They also say that drivers should allow for extra follow-room when traveling behind another vehicle.
Don’t forget about your pets, either. Please make sure they have appropriate shelter for the conditions.
If you find yourself in a car crash, call police and move out of the roadway. Please call the Casper PD, if they can be of assistance to you in case of an emergency.
“It’s safe to say that our short-lived autumn season is over,” said Casper Police Department Public Information Officer Rebekah Ladd. “Significant weather changes, like the one we are predicted to have this week, have major safety impacts for everyone in our community. We are urging people to have a change of mindset into winter safety and all the precautions that come along with that.”
For the latest information on road conditions, please visit wyoroad.info, or dial “511” from any phone in-state.
For the latest information on the storm, please visit weather.gov.
