8-inch June snowfalls in Wyoming

Northern Wyoming got a great summer gift -- up to eight inches of snow, accompanied by high winds and rains. Bad weather forced the closure of a section of US 14A and residents are being urged not to travel unnecessarily. Ronda Holwell, spokeswoman for the Wyoming
Department of Transportation, said up to 8 inches of snow had fallen in
the area, causing slick spots and poor visibility.

Snow also fell in the higher elevations of northwest, central and southern Wyoming.

Heavy
rain caused local flooding in parts of Campbell County, including
Gillette, which has received almost double its precipitation average so
far this year. Some streets and roadways were closed.

"We're
trying to keep our belongings because they mean a lot to us," Gillette
homeowner Terry Friedlan said today. He had been up all night setting
up sump pumps and sucking up water in his basement with a wet-dry
vacuum.

Local flooding was also reported in neighboring Sheridan
County, where the community of Story received about 3.31 inches of
precipitation Wednesday and today.

"Everywhere there's a creek, it's starting to flood," Story Volunteer Fire Chief Rex Cahhal said Thursday morning.

Strong winds also caused travel problems. An 88 mph wind gust was recorded near Cheyenne.

WYDOT
advised no light trailers on Interstate 80 between Walcott Junction and
Laramie and north of Cheyenne on Interstate 25 because of high winds.

The
state Highway Patrol reported six accidents where tractor-trailer
trucks or trailers being pulled by vehicles were blown over in
southeast Wyoming.