Interstate 80 Shut Down After Crashes Amid High Winds

Multiple vehicles involved in pileups between Laramie and Rawlins

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Strong wind gusts and poor weather conditions on Interstate 80 in Wyoming on Tuesday led to the closure of the highway between Laramie and Rawlins, with authorities reporting between 15 and 20 vehicles involved in multiple crashes. Injuries have been reported, but no fatalities as of Tuesday afternoon.

Why it matters

Interstate 80 is a major east-west highway that connects the West Coast to the Midwest and East Coast, so any closures or disruptions can have significant impacts on regional and national transportation. High winds and winter weather are common challenges in this part of Wyoming, and this incident highlights the need for drivers to exercise caution and heed safety warnings from authorities.

The details

According to the Wyoming Highway Patrol, the crashes occurred between Arlington and Cooper Cove, with wind gusts exceeding 50 miles per hour recorded in the area. The Wyoming Department of Transportation reported gusts over 40 miles per hour between Laramie and Walcott Junction, including a peak of 52.8 miles per hour at the Wagonhound rest area. Highway cameras also showed blowing snow contributing to the hazardous conditions.

  • The crashes occurred on Tuesday, February 19, 2026.
  • Interstate 80 was closed to high-profile vehicles on Tuesday afternoon.

The players

Wyoming Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency responsible for responding to and investigating the crashes on Interstate 80.

Wyoming Department of Transportation

The state agency that monitors and reports on weather and road conditions, including the wind gusts and blowing snow observed on Interstate 80.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This incident on Interstate 80 underscores the importance of driver safety and preparedness when traveling in areas prone to severe winter weather. Authorities will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates to help ensure the safety of motorists.