The National Weather Service in Cheyenne issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Wyoming on August 22 at 10:02 PM MDT, effective until 10:30 PM MDT. At 10:01 PM MDT, radar indicated a severe thunderstorm near NARM Mine, about 24 miles southeast of Wright, moving northeast at 20 mph. The storm poses a hazard of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail, according to the NWS.

KEY FACTS

  • The warning is in effect until 10:30 PM MDT for areas including Dull Center.
  • The storm is moving northeast at 20 mph, with radar indicated wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail the size of quarters.
  • The NWS warns of potential hail damage to vehicles and wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees.
  • The warning was issued by the National Weather Service office in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

CONTEXT

Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when radar or storm spotters indicate a thunderstorm producing or about to produce damaging winds or large hail. In this case, the NWS used radar data to determine the storm's intensity and trajectory. The affected area is rural, with the storm located near NARM Mine, a coal mine in Campbell County. The warning covers a limited area and time frame, reflecting the storm's fast movement and short lived nature. Residents in the warned area are advised to take shelter and secure loose objects. The NWS emphasizes that hail of this size can cause significant damage to vehicles and property, and wind gusts of 60 mph can down trees and damage structures.

WHY IT MATTERS

This warning highlights the sudden and localized nature of severe weather in the High Plains, where storms can develop rapidly and pose immediate risks to life and property. For residents and workers in the affected area, including those at NARM Mine, the warning provides critical lead time to seek shelter and protect assets. The potential for hail and wind damage underscores the importance of heeding NWS alerts, even for short duration events.

WHAT TO WATCH

  • Monitor local weather updates for any extension or cancellation of the warning.
  • Watch for reports of hail or wind damage from the affected areas, which may inform future warnings.
  • Pay attention to additional severe weather warnings as the storm system moves northeast.

SOURCES AND REFERENCES