|
I am the curser! The madden of Mother Nature myself. Ahem!
Wyoming Tribune Eagle Newspaper
Welcome to windy Wyoming
CHEYENNE -- As far as meteorologists are concerned, it was a classic springtime storm.
Wind gusts began at 3 a.m. Friday and continued throughout the day. Speeds ranged from 50 to 60 mph, with a high gust of 67 mph within city limits, said Don Day, a meteorologist with DayWeather Inc.
Winds blew stronger northeast of town, with one report clocking speeds as high as 84 mph a few miles off of Horse Creek Road.
Day said the region experiences similar squalls once or twice every year.
"It was a little unusual (for May), but I would not characterize it as extraordinary," he added.
"This is one of the windiest times of the year. (Friday's storm) didn't break any records."
But the wind did increase service calls to Cheyenne Light, Fuel and Power.
Electric operations manager Bill Stockman said crews started working at 3 a.m., responding to 12 outages, including knocked-down street lights and power poles throughout Cheyenne.
In one case, a family-sized trampoline blew out of a backyard and into nearby power lines.
A plastic kiddie pool disrupted service for another neighborhood, while one early morning power outage near Ridge Road and Pershing Boulevard cut off electricity to 700 customers.
Lt. Mark Munari from the Cheyenne Police Department said debris torn from the roof of Cheyenne Regional Medical Center temporarily closed Evans Avenue between 22nd and 24th streets.
Officers also directed traffic at Hot Springs Avenue and Lincolnway after winds blew over a power pole behind Burger King.
Stockman said the power outage started shortly before lunchtime and lasted for several hours. The initial outage affected several blocks until crews contained the problem to the restaurant and a couple of homes nearby.
High wind speeds normally add service calls, but Friday's combination of wind, snow and ice increased the storm damage.
"Winds were higher than normal for a longer period of time," Stockman said.
He added that he was glad crews only had to respond to 12 power outages. Two teams worked throughout the day and into the evening, while a third crew remained on standby until winds died down.
Stockman said most customers are patient and understand that when there is wind there will be service disruptions. But homeowners can avoid future problems by securing any outdoor items that could blow free. He added that anyone who notices a downed power line should stay clear and call the power company for assistance.
__________________
|