Colorado blizzard warning expands to 12 counties
NOTE: Information about Tuesday’s road closures across the plains, including Interstate 70 from Denver to Kansas, can be found here.
A blizzard warning stretching across parts of Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota expanded Monday afternoon to 12 counties on Colorado’s front range and northeast plains. Earier in the day, the warning covered eight counties, mainly along the borders with Kansas and Nebraska.
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The warning, expected to be in effect as early as 5:00 p.m. Monday and continuing through 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, includes all of Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Yuma, Kit Carson, and Cheyenne counties, along with portions of Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert, and Lincoln counties. Impacts are expected to spread from the northeast corner of the state beginning during the evening.
The four additional counties will see the warning take effect at 2:00 a.m. Tuesday.
Snowfall remains limited, with two to six inches expected, along with wind gusts to 60 miles per hour. While snowfall amounts are relatively , strong wind will cause blowing and drifting snow, along with reduced visibility, which may drop below ¼ mile in some areas.
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Under those conditions, road closures are possible, including Interstate 70 into Kansas, and Interstate 76 into Nebraska.
Shortly before 5:00 p.m. Monday, the Colorado Department of Transportation showed roads were already wet or snowy in the northeast portion of the state. The latest road conditions are available at https://COTrip.org, or by dialing 5-1-1.
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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.
