Blizzard warning starting Monday includes 8 eastern Colorado counties
NOTE: An updated version of this article - adding four Colorado counties to the blizzard warning - can be read here.
A blizzard warning stretching across parts of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota includes eight counties on Colorado’s northeast plains.
Courtesy of the National Weather Service.
The warning, expected to be in effect as early as 5:00 p.m. Monday through 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, includes all of Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Yuma, Kit Carson, and Cheyenne counties, along with northeast Elbert and northern Lincoln counties. Impacts are expected to spread from the northeast corner of the state beginning during the evening.
Two to six inches of snow are expected, along with wind gusts to 60 miles per hour. While snowfall amounts are limited, strong wind will cause blowing and drifting snow, along with reduced visibility, which may drop below ¼ mile in some areas.
Courtesy of the National Weather Service.
Under those conditions, road closures are possible, including Interstate 70 into Kansas.
Cheyenne Wells and Kit Carson in Cheyenne County can expect Monday’s high temperature to remain below the freezing mark, falling to the low 20s overnight. Snow is possible overnight, becoming more likely Tuesday. Highs in the low to mid-30s are expected Tuesday. Overnight Monday, wind gusts to 30 mph are predicted, increasing to 60 mph Tuesday.
The National Weather Service strongly suggests delaying travel in the warned area if possible. 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. Keep 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.
