From the Driver's Seat: Weather - Part 2: Wind đź’¨
Straight-line wind can be an issue, especially in Wyoming and Kansas. We have found that wind forecasts are very unreliable. Calm wind can turn into high gusts within moments, especially if it is associated with an unexpected storm.
In Wyoming we have had to exit the interstate due to high winds on numerous occasions. DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations require high-profile vehicles under 20,000 lbs to exit the interstate immediately. Wyoming has large highway signs to inform you when this is in effect. WYDOT has an app called Wyoming 511, which shows road restrictions and closures due to wind or other conditions. Leaving the interstate does not mean that you can continue; they also close secondary roads if the conditions warrant. Unfortunately, this happens on a regular basis, especially in the Spring. Road restrictions are not something you can ignore and there are high fines for offenders. The restrictions are put into effect to reduce accidents where wind has blown over high-profile vehicles. I can see why they have implemented this restriction. Taking I-80 near Elk Mountain on a relatively calm day, wind gusts can come out of nowhere. I tend to drive slower than usual having seen on the internet semi-trucks that have blown over in this exact area on numerous occasions. And we were witnesses to a semi-truck in front of us in the Rock River area of I-80 that got lifted by the wind, but thankfully landed and stabilized. Do not take this section of highway lightly!
In Kansas, we were settled for the night in calm conditions. Around 1 a.m. the winds started out of nowhere with over 60 mph gusts. We never saw it coming, but we certainly felt it for quite a few hours. The next day while refueling I mentioned the wind from the previous night to another driver. His response was, "Welcome to Kansas." This told me it happens quite regularly.
While traveling through Louisiana we had the opportunity to disperse camp right on the beach. It was amazing! The sunset was one of the highlights with oil rigs on the horizon. I would not consider the winds to be high, but they were definitely consistent coming off the Gulf of Mexico (now known as the Gulf of America). However, the next morning I found that the wind was high enough to blow the sand into every nook and cranny of the truck and camper, even the inside of the fuel door had a substantial amount of sand.
Our travels have also taken us through Arizona. On the major interstates in multiple locations, highway signs instruct what you should do if you are caught in a sand storm. Apparently, the visibility turns to "0" very quickly. Luckily, we have not encountered this weather phenomena, but the warning signs alone are enough to keep me aware of the possible danger of driving through uninformed.
Next Week:
Weather - Part 3: Temperature Swings
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