GILLETTE, Wyo. — Drivers are facing slick roads this morning, with snow and blowing snow reported on several highways. This comes as the National Weather Service in Rapid City, South Dakota, warns of a significant winter storm expected to hit the region this weekend.
Many roads in and around Gillette are currently slick with snow and blowing snow, per the Wyoming Department of Transportation. Highway 14-16 between mile marker 60 and Wyoming Highway 59 is experiencing slick, drifted snow with strong winds and blowing snow. Drivers are asked to use caution on WYO 50 between mile marker 12 and Pine Tree Junction due to slick, drifted snow and blowing snow.
For today, snow and blowing snow from early this morning are tapering off. Expect mostly cloudy skies with a high near 27 degrees, according to the NWS in Rapid City. However, it will be blustery, with northwest winds gusting at up to 37 mph, making it feel as cold as 9 degrees. Tonight, skies will clear, but it will remain cold with a low around 12 degrees and windchills near zero.
Friday starts out mostly sunny with a high near 32, but the calm won’t last long. A winter storm is expected to move in Friday night, bringing snow and strong winds that will continue through the weekend.
The NWS in Rapid City predicts significant snowfall, with the heaviest amounts expected in the northern Black Hills. Some areas could see over a foot of accumulation. Gusty winds will accompany the snow, leading to blowing snow and reduced visibility on the roads.
Travel is expected to be hazardous throughout the weekend. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution, allow extra time and consider postponing non-essential travel.
Detailed Forecast
- Today: Patchy blowing snow before 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. Windchill values as low as 9. Blustery, with a northwest wind at 16–23 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.
- Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 12. Windchill values as low as zero. Northwest wind at 9–11 mph shifting to the southwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. Windchill values as low as zero. Southwest wind at 11–15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
- Friday Night: Snow. Steady temperature around 31. Windchill values as low as 19. Southwest wind at 10–16 mph shifting to the northwest after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1–2 inches possible.
- Saturday: Snow. Patchy blowing snow. Temperature falling to around 27 by 5 p.m. Blustery, with a northwest wind at 20–24 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1–3 inches possible.
- Saturday Night: Snow. Patchy blowing snow before 4 a.m. Low around 20. Blustery, with a northwest wind at 18–22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2–4 inches possible.
- Sunday: Snow. High near 26. Northwest wind at 13–17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
- Sunday Night: Snow likely, mainly before 11 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 14. Northwest wind at around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
- Monday: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 12.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 29.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 18.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 35.
More on the weather is available from the NWS in Rapid City.
NOTE: AI tools assisted in the publication of this report.
