The National Weather Service and Wyoming Department of Transportation are using Wyoming Winter Weather Awareness Day on Wednesday, Oct. 14, to stress the importance of smart travel planning during the winter season.
“Checking the weather forecast and current road conditions are a must when planning winter travel,” said Chris Jones, warning coordination meteorologist at the Riverton NWS office. “While weather can certainly throw us curveballs, having the best possible understanding of current and expected weather and road conditions goes a long way to ensuring you arrive safely at your destination.”
Travelers and hunters are advised to check weather.gov/riverton or call the Riverton NWS office at 1-800-211-1448 any time to ask about the weather forecast. The NWS is also active on social media, often posting essential storm information on their Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube outlets. WYDOT road and travel information is available by calling 511 or by going online to http://wyoroad.info. Travelers can even register to receive email or text updates on road conditions across the state.
NWS offices across Wyoming increasingly coordinate storm impacts and messaging with the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s Transportation Management Center, Jones said. “When the NWS and WYDOT are on the same page, it sends a consistent message to the traveling public. Our agencies have a shared interest of your safety.”
Motorists share responsibility of protection of life and property. “Be sure to give yourself extra time to reach your destination. It takes longer to slow down on slick roads, so drive at appropriate speeds that allow you to keep your vehicle under control,” said Cody Beers, WYDOT public relations specialist in Riverton. “Always remember to wear your seat belt, stay well back from operating snow plows, and don’t make the trip if you don’t have to.”
Travelers should alter or cancel travel plans to avoid hazardous conditions. Jones and Beers said if motorists travel and become stranded, be sure to stay with their vehicle. It provides the only sure source of protection from the elements. They also recommend each vehicle to be equipped with an emergency supply kit complete with non-perishable food, water, essential medications, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.
A peek ahead at the upcoming winter indicates temperatures may be slightly warmer than normal across Wyoming. As for precipitation, a developing El Nino may lead to drier conditions across the Pacific Northwest and the northern Rockies, including Wyoming. The official NWS winter outlook, which takes into account global circulation patterns, recent trends, soil conditions, and various climate prediction models, will be released Oct. 15.
For more information about Wyoming Winter Weather Awareness week, visit the National Weather Service website at http://www.weather.gov/riw/wwwad.
On the Web:
Road information: wyoroad.info
NWS in Riverton: www.weather.gov/riverton
Mobile Forecasts: mobile.weather.gov
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/NWSRiverton
On Twitter: @NWSRiverton
NOAA Climate Prediction Center: http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/
*Press Release from WYDOT