CASPER, Wyo. – The National Weather Service in Riverton says 32.3 inches of snow fell since Saturday during a historic snowstorm that essentially shut-in the city and forced schools, government offices and businesses to close on Monday and Tuesday.
The NWS is now warning of overland flooding risks as temperatures start to rapidly rise, leading to quick snowmelt.
“Residents in Natrona Co. should do what they can to remove snow away from their homes,” they said on social media. “The flooding threat will increase as the snow continues to melt this week.”
Thursday and Friday are expected to see “substantial” snow melt as high temperatures approach 50 degrees. Rapid runoff is possible since the ground is either frozen or saturated from recent snow, said the NWS.
Today’s high temperature is expected to reach 35 degrees, with 45 degrees Thursday and 52 degrees expected on Friday, according to the NWS.
While schools in Laramie County are closed for a third consecutive day, school in Natrona County will be in session with a two-hour delay.
As of 4:30 a.m., Interstate 25 is still closed between Cheyenne and Douglas, and Interstate 80 is closed or on rolling closures from the Nebraska state border to Evanston. Estimated opening times range from late this morning to tonight.
The City of Casper announced yesterday afternoon that they are now accepting snow removal requests using the Casper 311 app.
“We appreciate citizens reporting the need even though we cannot guarantee we can get there right away. We are concentrating our resources where they are most critically needed,” said Streets and Traffic Manager Shad Rodgers in a media release.
