CHEYENNE — The National Weather Service's Cheyenne office has issued a Flood Watch for parts of southeast Wyoming and the Nebraska panhandle from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday as thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall move into the area.
The watch covers Central, East and South Laramie County and the Laramie Range foothills, along with several counties across the Nebraska panhandle. Forecasters warned that intense storms could deliver precipitation at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour, and that ground already saturated from prior rainfall will increase the threat of runoff and localized flooding.
What authorities say
"Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible."
The NWS advises residents to monitor conditions closely and to be prepared to move to higher ground if flooding threatens. Excessive runoff from heavy rain may cause rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying areas to flood quickly.
Timing and impacts
Forecasters expect showers and thunderstorms to become likely after 3 p.m., with the highest chances through the evening. Model guidance and observed trends suggest some storms could stall or train over the same areas, increasing localized totals. The official forecast for Cheyenne lists a high near 76 degrees with a 90% chance of precipitation this afternoon, and continued shower and thunderstorm chances into the night.
| Period | Key details |
|---|---|
| 3 p.m. — 10 p.m. Thursday | Flood Watch in effect; strong storms possible; 1–2 in/hr possible locally |
| Tonight | Showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight; low near 52°F |
| Friday | Additional showers and thunderstorms possible; high near 82°F |
Drivers should expect reduced visibility and standing water on roadways during heavy downpours. Low-lying neighborhoods, culverts and small streams are the most vulnerable to rapid rises. Areas that received significant rain on Wednesday may see exacerbated runoff and faster onset of flooding during tonight’s storms.
Preparedness tips
Local emergency management officials urge residents to take common-sense precautions ahead of the storms. Recommended actions include:
- Move vehicles out of known flood-prone areas.
- Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items that could be swept away.
- Avoid driving through flooded roadways; turn around, don’t drown.
- Keep a battery-powered radio or phone charger handy in case of power outages.
Because roads and drainage systems can be overwhelmed quickly in heavy rain, motorists should allow extra travel time and avoid shortcuts that cross creeks or washes.
Local impacts and context
Southeast Wyoming’s varied terrain — from foothills to prairie — can produce highly localized storm behavior. Thunderstorms that develop over the higher terrain or stall along ridgelines can produce intense bursts of rain in narrow corridors, leaving nearby areas relatively untouched. That pattern makes it difficult to predict precisely where the heaviest totals will fall, so forecasters emphasize vigilance across the watch area.
Emergency managers will continue to monitor streams and critical infrastructure through the evening. Residents should stay tuned to the National Weather Service and local media for any updates, including warnings or advisories that might be issued if flooding or flash flooding becomes imminent.
For the latest safety information, visit the National Weather Service safety page: weather.gov/safety/flood, and follow local emergency management and law enforcement channels for area-specific guidance.
This is a developing situation; WE NEWS will provide updates as new information becomes available.
