The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) advises travelers to be prepared for a winter snow storm expected to impact western and southern Colorado. Snow will begin across the northern mountains of the state tonight and spread to southern mountains tomorrow.
Travelers MUST have adequate tires for winter driving in the mountains.
The prolonged, multi-day storm is expected to come to an end on Friday and will be followed by freezing temperatures running 20-30 degrees below normal for March.
Heavy snow and snow squalls will make travel difficult, if not impossible, especially on mountain passes. (Squalls are short but intense bursts of snow accompanied by strong winds that can produce whiteout or near whiteout conditions.) Travelers should be aware that freezing, snowy weather will impact lower elevations as well.
Visit COtrip.org for the latest information about potential safety closures that may be likely due to this severe snow storm.
Snow will move from north to south across the state through the morning, reaching I-70 and Denver mid-day. By Thursday, the southwestern mountains and southern Plains will see snow. Expected snow amounts 3″-7″ Plains and I-25 Metro areas, 5″-9″ for Foothills, 7″-11″ Front Range mountains, 8″-14″ Western/Southwest mountains. All drivers should be prepared for changing road conditions, Commercial Transportation will likely need chains or approved traction devices traveling mountain roadways.