WYOBRASKA – Much of eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska experienced higher than average sustained wind speeds and gusts last week on Jan. 13. But according to National Weather Service Lead Meteorologist Aviva Braun, there’s more to come.

The National Weather Service’s (NWS) Cheyenne Office is forecasting high winds for eastern Platte County, Goshen County, central and eastern Laramie County and parts of southwestern Nebraska. Winds in Goshen County are expected to gust to 65 mph, while wind-prone regions west of Goshen County are expected to see gusts up to 80 mph.

Despite what Braun called an “incredible wind event” from last week, NWS meteorologists and climatologists are looking to see if the winds broke any records. 

Braun told the Telegram, January is the peak of the windy season for the southeastern portion of Wyoming. The windy season for this area runs from October to February.

This year’s strong winds have been attributed to a strong La Niña weather pattern this year that has helped boost winds.

Last week’s winds caused damage to buildings, power lines, trees and other fixtures around the area. The city of Torrington’s wastewater treatment facility sustained damage and a power pole was snapped off. Adding to the destruction, several citizens lost power throughout the city of Torrington. 

Residents of Lusk reported minor damage to buildings, trees and area fixtures, but no major damage was reported. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Cheyenne recorded a wind speed of 86 mph two miles east of Torrington, a 105 mph wind 11 miles west southwest of Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, an 85 mph wind three miles west of Van Tassell and an 86 mph wind four miles east of Scottsbluff.