A powerful late-season snowstorm had dumped more than a foot of snow on Cheyenne through 11 a.m. today, with strong winds causing widespread highway shutdowns and the closure of businesses and government offices.

According to the local National Weather Service office, snow began falling on Cheyenne around 1 a.m. today, and conditions rapidly deteriorated between 2 and 3 a.m. as snow began accumulating and wind picked up speed.

By 6 a.m., seven inches of snow had already fallen on the Capital City, and winds had reached sustained speeds of 30 mph or more, with gusts of up to 50 mph.

What had been a winter storm warning in effect for the region was upgraded to a blizzard warning at 4 a.m. as a result of the strong winds combined with snowfall. A blizzard warning takes effect anytime visibility is reduced to one-quarter mile or less for three consecutive hours and is accompanied by gusts of 35 mph or more.

The blizzard warning remains in effect through 6 p.m. today.

Snow is expected to begin slowing down early this afternoon and should end by late afternoon, though winds will remain strong, with gusts between 35 and 45 mph.

Winds are expected to calm to about 10 to 15 mph between 6 and 9 p.m.

Today’s storm has already shattered the previous snowfall and precipitation records for March 23. As of 11 a.m., 13.6 inches of snow totaling 1.15 inches of moisture had fallen. The previous records were 8.9 inches for snow in 1996 and .67 inches of moisture in 1909.

The Cheyenne Police Department has issued an accident alert due to hazardous driving conditions. While under this alert CPD will only be responding to accidents that involve injuries, drunk drivers, immovable vehicles and the inability to exchange information. If you are in an accident, exchange information with the parties involved and fill out a delayed accident form later. These forms are available in the CPD lobby during normal business hours.