High winds that pounded western Nebraska on Thursday, causing several accidents, are expected to take a break today before roaring back to life Saturday.
High winds toppled a semi truck near Sidney as gusts buffeted traffic. In Nebraska, Highway 71 was also closed near the Harrisburg Spur due to poor visibility and three accidents, including a tractor-trailer roll over. Sustained gusts at Western Nebraska Regional Airport registered at more than 50 mph.
As winds gusted to 80-plus mph Thursday, Wyoming highway officials closed Intestate 25 and U.S. 87 to light, high profile vehicles between the Colorado state line and Wheatland, Wyo., due to extreme risk of toppling.
After a respite Friday, stronger winds are forecast for Saturday, according to the National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Weiland.
"It's really going to pick back up again on Saturday, Weiland said. "It's a combination of several things. There are strong winds in the upper and mid-level atmosphere - the jet stream - over our area. Part of that today and Saturday is the approach and passage of a cold front."
Weiland said the wind can create travel problems and make it difficult to control high-profile vehicles such as vans and semi-trucks. Power lines can be also be knocked out, visibility can be reduced and the wind can whip up grass fires.
"The (Saturday) front has colder air associated with it," Weiland said. "The frontal passage is Saturday morning, and temperatures will continue to fall during the day to a low of 10 to 15 degrees with decreased winds."
Nebraska State Patrol Lt. Lance Rogers said three wind-related accidents occurred Thursday near the Harrisburg junction on Highway 71 about 15 miles south of Scottsbluff.
Rogers said a high gust of wind caused poor visibility because of blowing dirt from a nearby wheat field.
A semi overturned on the highway and two other cars were involved in crashes in the same vicinity.
"It looks like they are all minor injury accidents," he said. "It was a mess for a little bit. For safety reasons, we closed the roadway for 30 to 45 minutes. We had only one northbound lane open for a period of time while we were waiting for tow trucks to move the semi and cars parked on the side of the road."
Rogers said he advised that drivers of high-profile vehicles slow down in high winds and drivers turn on lights and safety flashers.
"During the daytime, some people don't think about turning on their lights, but if you turn on your lights, people are more likely to see you."
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