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Semi truck on a snow-covered road

Blizzard closes Interstate 70 from Denver to Kansas

© lloydmp - iStock-145131807

PICT - Kiowa County Press Icon
Chris Sorensen

Blizzard conditions, which are expected to continue into Wednesday morning, have prompted closures of eastern Colorado roads, including Interstate 70, which is now closed from Denver to the Kansas border. Overnight, I-70 had closed from Limon to the state line, along with other highways and local road closures.

By midday, I-70 had reopened to both directions of travel, however continued blowing and drifting snow will create ongoing travel issues into Wednesday morning. Later in the afternoon, portions of I-70 were closing intermittently. Most other highways in the area remain closed until further notice. Local roads are also impacted.

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Map of Colorado road closures at 7:00 a.m. December 26, 2023 - CDOT

Courtesy Colorado Department of Transportation.

Interstate 76 into Nebraska remains open, however the highway is showing snowy conditions, and travelers in the area have also reported icy spots.

Blizzard warnings are in effect for portions of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation at 7:00 a.m., the following roads are closed until further notice due to adverse weather conditions:

  • I-70 Eastbound from Denver (Airpark Road) to Kansas
  • I-70 Westbound from Kansas to Deer Trail 
  • US-6 in both directions from Sterling to Nebraska
  • US 24 both directions Seibert to Kansas
  • US 36 in both directions from Byers to Kansas State Line
  • US 385 in both directions from Cheyenne Wells to Nebraska State Line 
  • CO 59 in both directions from Haxtun to Yuma
  • CO 59 in both directions from Seibert to Cope 
  • CO 61 in both directions from Otis to Sterling 
  • CO 63 in both directions from Akron to Anton
  • CO 71 in both directions from Limon to Brush
  • CO 86 in both directions from Elizabeth to I-70

Twelve counties in Colorado’s northeast and front range fell under blizzard warnings as early at 5:00 p.m. Monday. The warnings are expected to continue until early Wednesday morning. While only 2 to 6 inches of snow are predicted, winds gusting up to 60 miles per hour are reducing visibility to ¼ mile or less, creating dangerous driving conditions.

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Map of expected snowfall through December 27, 2023, at 5:00 a.m. - NWS

Expected snowfall through December 27, 2023, at 5-00 a.m. - NWS

Colorado counties under the warning include Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Yuma, Kit Carson, Cheyenne Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert, and Lincoln.

CDOT has plows actively working roads, and cameras are showing roads partly covered by blowing snow. Westbound Interstate 70 just outside of Denver was largely covered in snow and icy in places according to one reader attempting to get to work.

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Snowy conditions on westbound Interstate 70 just outside of Denver December 26, 2023 - Terri Popish

Westbound Interstate 70 just outside of Denver December 26, 2023 - Courtesy Terri Popish

Sunday, the National Weather Service began postponing travel due to the incoming storm. Eight northeast and east central Colorado counties were placed under a blizzard warning early Monday morning, with portions of four additional front range counties added Monday afternoon.

The NWS strongly suggests delaying travel as the storm continues. If travel cannot be postponed, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility, and leave extra space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Pack emergency supplies in your vehicle.

If you become stranded while driving, stay with your vehicle. Run the engine 10 minutes every hour for warmth, and insure the exhaust pipe is clear to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check the latest road conditions by calling 5-1-1, or visit https://COTrip.org.