Blizzard keeps trucking through Rockies

1st major storm of season to produce 2-foot-plus snow totals

(Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Tuesday will be another day of heavy snow, whiteout conditions and delays for truckers in the Rockies. This first big storm of the season began early Monday and has already produced 12 to 20 inches of snow in many high elevations of the region, according to the National Weather Service.

https://vimeo.com/630007597

Most of the snow so far has hit eastern Idaho, southern Montana and northern Wyoming, but will spread Tuesday across the rest of Wyoming, eastern Montana, Utah and western Colorado. In areas already blanketed, an additional 12-plus inches could pile up through early Wednesday. About 12 inches could accumulate in areas where snow is forecast to develop Tuesday.

Wind gusts will reach 40 mph or greater in some areas, so blowing snow will create whiteout conditions at times. The storm will not only slow down drivers, but may also delay operations at intermodal hubs and oil facilities in the region.


Related: 5 states with toughest chain laws for truckers


Major lanes of concern

• Interstate 15 from Butte, Montana, to Cedar City, Utah.
• Interstate 25 from Casper to Buffalo, Wyoming.
• Interstate 70 from Vail to Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
• Interstate 80 in southeastern Wyoming.
• Interstate 90 from Sundance, Wyoming, to Bozeman, Montana.

On the warm side of the system, severe storms could produce tornadoes, large hail, dangerous winds and torrential rain from Nebraska to northern Texas. This includes Wichita Falls, Texas; Oklahoma City; Wichita and Topeka, Kansas; as well as North Platte and Grand Island, Nebraska.

Major lanes of concern

• Interstate 40 from Amarillo to Oklahoma City.
• Interstate 35 from Wichita to Oklahoma City.
• Interstate 70 from Topeka to Goodland, Kansas.
• Interstate 80 from Nebraska City, Iowa, to North Platte.

Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Nick Austin.

You might also like:

Self-described ‘shaman’ arrested in California wildfire arson

Wildfire crews battling blazes — and supply chain kinks

Biggest tsunamis in US history

How and why do hurricanes get their names?

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
AI

Supply Chain AI Symposium

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

July 15, 2026
The Old Post • Chicago, IL
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
AI Supply Chain AI Symposium Jul 15 • The Old Post • Chicago, IL

Past the hype. Join operators, founders, and enterprise leaders figuring out how to deploy AI in supply chain.

The Old Post • Chicago, IL Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now