Bitter cold for the rest of 2017

Editor's note: The information that follows was originally shared by Campbell County Emergency Management on the Campbell County Local Government Facebook page. We feel it's important for all Campbell County, Wyoming residents to know, and we wanted to share.

Also worth noting from the Council of Community Services: The shelter at 114 4-J Road is open now through Monday (January 1, 2018) morning at 7:30 am for anyone who needs a place out of the bitter cold.

It's going to be bitterly cold and snowing for the rest of 2017!

The National Weather Service has issued the following advisory: "We are looking at an extended period of snow across the area, starting tonight and continuing through Saturday night. Snowfall accumulations of 2 to 6 inches is possible over a 48-60 hour period. Arctic air will spill into the area for the weekend. High temperatures on the plains of western South Dakota will remain below zero, with single digits above zero for the Black Hills and northeast Wyoming. It will be extremely cold Saturday night and Sunday night with temperatures dropping to 15 below to 25 below zero. Wind chill values will reach 30 below to 45 below zero. Hypothermia and frost bite could occur in minutes with the extreme cold."

Gillette will top out at 23 late today (December 28), then slide down to single digits at daybreak tomorrow (12/29), back into low teens during Friday, then slide to single digits and below zero the rest of the week. 2-6 inches of snowfall during the period as well. New Years (midnight Sunday, 12/31) will start with -9 degrees. If traveling, check the forecasts and road conditions before heading out.

Winter Travel Tips
Check out some winter weather travel safety tips from AAA if you do plan to hit the roads:

• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).

And one last tip: Bring blankets, extra coats, boost and winter accessories (hats, gloves, scarves, etc.) with you to keep warm in case you become stranded. Also bring bottled water to avoid becoming dehydrated and nonperishable food items.