Storm rages - Cheyenne State Offices remain closed

CHEYENNE - Governor Mark Gordon announced that State Offices in Cheyenne will remain closed through today (Thursday, March 14). Other state offices may also remain closed or have delayed openings depending on their local weather conditions.

The Governor has continued to work with the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, the Wyoming Department of Transportation and the Wyoming Highway Patrol throughout the storm. "I've been told that we have not seen a storm of this nature since the Thanksgiving blizzard of 1979 and the 2003 storm. Reportedly, it has the same intensity as a Category 1 hurricane," Gordon said.

Governor Gordon said his briefings indicated that strong winds are predicted through Thursday afternoon, likely resulting in continued poor visibility, closed roads, and snow plowing difficulties. "We need people to stay safely at home until this storm subsides so snow plow crews can clear streets and parking lots unhindered."

Gordon again praised the state workers at the Department of Transportation and the Highway Patrol for their relentless assistance to stranded travelers and those involved in accidents. "First responders and snow plow teams have been at this for hours now, and everyone's efforts show that Wyomingites handle ourselves well."

"The safety of our people is my first consideration; we will get our state offices open and working at full speed again as soon as it is safe to do so," Gordon said. "As this storm subsides, I implore people to stay off the roads and out of the way so storm cleanup across the state can proceed unhindered."

"Again I'll say it - stay home, stay off the roads, and stay safe," Governor Gordon added.

UW Classes and Activities Canceled Thursday

LARAMIE - The National Weather Service blizzard warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. MDT Thursday. This storm system is expected to continue to bring extremely dangerous blizzard conditions to the area. All University of Wyoming classes, labs and activities are canceled today, Thursday, March 14. Washakie Dining Center, High Altitude Performance Center and Training Table, and residence halls remain open. All other university activities and events are canceled.

Buses will not run tomorrow. The Wyoming Union, Half Acre Recreation and Wellness Center, Coe Library, and the Early Childhood and Education Center will be closed.

Essential staff will be contacted by their supervisors with instructions to maintain critical services. Those who have traveled to Laramie should carefully evaluate staying in Laramie until the highways open and it is safe to travel.

Campus is expected to be operating on a normal schedule Friday, March 15. Changes to normal operating schedules are communicated using the UW Alert text message system. Faculty, staff and students should register for UW Alert at http://www.getrave.com/login/uwyo.

For up-to-date weather information, visit the National Weather Service storm watch for Albany County at: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwaatmget.php?x=WYC001&y=1. For up-to-date road information, visit the Wyoming travel information website at http://www.wyoroad.info. Always check road conditions before extended travel.