Casper Under High Wind Warning Through Wednesday Morning

In a city known where a little wind is anything but news, even the locals take notice when forecasters warn of wind gusts in the neighborhood of 80 mph.

A high wind warning for Casper, Jeffrey City and lower elevations in Natrona County remains in effect until 8 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Riverton.

It's been a blustery few days in the Oil City, with a peak wind gust of 81 mph recorded shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday on Outer Drive. Wind at the Natrona County International Airport peaked at 56 mph the same day.

The warning warns of wind gusts of 70-80 mph on the south side of Casper on Outer Drive/Wyoming Boulevard. Southwest winds of 35-45 mph, gusting to 60 mph, are expected elsewhere.

Strong crosswinds are expected along Highways 287, 220 and 26 as well as along Interstate 25, significantly increasing the chance of blow-overs for light-weight and high-profile trailers.

Visibility may be poor on the slick, snow-packed highways due to blowing and drifting snow.

The National Weather Service says sustained wind speeds of at least 40 mph or gusts of at least 58 mph can lead to property damage.