GILLETTE, Wyo. — City officials reinstated a Level 2 Snow Emergency, prompting the closure of city and county government offices and Campbell County School District schools today, Dec. 15, as a result of this week’s winter storm.
The National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota, says Gillette has received nearly 15 inches of snow over the last two days, according to preliminary climate data. Snow mixed with strong winds have created whiteout conditions and made travel dangerous.
While the City of Gillette’s Level 2 Snow Emergency was allowed to expire at about 4 p.m. Wednesday, it was reinstated at 5:20 a.m. today due to additional accumulations and high winds, city officials said.
A Level 2 Snow Emergency advises against non-emergency travel in the city. Those driving during a Level 2 Snow Emergency may encounter roads which are impassable; and will likely interfere with snow and storm damage removal as well as emergency services. All city facilities are closed for business during a Level 2 Snow Emergency. Although city facilities are closed, it is the responsibility of each citizen to determine whether their employer is open for business.
Parking is still prohibited on designated snow routes, city officials said.
The following streets or portions of streets within the city are designated as Emergency Snow Routes:
1.) 6th Street from Burma Avenue to Gillette Avenue.
2.) 4th Street from 4-J Road to Gurley Avenue.
3.) Gurley Avenue from 12th Street to 4th Street.
4.) 4-J Road from 2nd Street to 8th Street.
5.) Brooks Avenue from 2nd Street to Warlow.
6.) 9th Street from Butler Spaeth to Highway 59.
7.) Foothills Boulevard from Highway 14-16 to Echeta Road.
8.) 7th Street from Highway 59 to 4-J Road.
When the Level II Snow Emergency is over, an announcement will be made by the city using local media, the city website and social media.
Campbell County announced via social media that all county government offices and the Campbell County Courthouse will remain closed today due to the Level 2 Snow Emergency.
As of 6:08 a.m., the Wyoming Department of Transportation has shut down WYO 387 from Midwest to Wright in both directions because of winter conditions. An estimated open time was not available. Virtually all main roads in and around Gillette are marked as “high impact,” meaning that while the road is open, travel will be difficult.
