Wyoming troopers responded to 39 semi truck blowovers this week
Wyoming highway troopers have been busy this week as powerful winds continue to hit central and southeastern parts of the state. The Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) said troopers have responded to 39 truck blowovers since Tuesday, December 9, as gusts described as hurricane-force moved across the plains.
WHP and the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) say the problem has been most persistent along Wyoming’s primary freight corridors, including stretches of Interstates 80 and 25 that are well known for dangerous crosswinds.
In comments to Bigfoot99, WHP Senior Public Relations Specialist Aaron Brown said that since Tuesday, 16 semi-trucks were blown over on Interstate 80 between Laramie and Rawlins. Brown said no serious injuries have been reported so far.
The wind issues have also targeted locations drivers often hear about during winter wind events, including the “Dangerous Trio”: Wyo Hill on I-25 (mile markers 2–3), Bordeaux on I-25 (mile marker 71), and the area near Cooper Cove west of Laramie on I-80.
WYDOT has issued travel restrictions during the event. As of Wednesday morning, I-80 between Laramie and Rawlins was closed to all light and high-profile vehicles under 20,000 pounds due to gusting winds and an extreme blowover risk.
One point WHP and WYDOT continue to stress is how quickly a single blown-over rig can turn into a major operational problem on the road.
A single blowover event often occupies several troopers, along with additional towing and emergency vehicles, WHP noted, tying up resources that may be needed elsewhere and sometimes forcing a highway to close to all traffic while debris is cleared and equipment is recovered.
WHP also noted the practical challenge of enforcement during wind restrictions: when highways are closed to high-profile vehicles, the roadway itself may still be open to other traffic. Brown said most truckers are required to keep track of their weight, and troopers are not stopping semis at random.
Several blowovers were also reported near Elk Mountain, according to WHP, prompting partial closures and extended delays as responders worked through recovery and traffic impacts.
WYDOT and WHP have reiterated that driving a prohibited vehicle during wind closures can bring significant penalties, including fines and potential liability for roadway damage.