If you live in Trinidad or Walsenburg, you’re probably already feeling the chill in the air. And if you haven’t heard yet—winter is about to make a major comeback in the form of a Winter Storm Watch. Starting Friday night and lasting through Saturday afternoon, we’re expecting up to 10 inches of snow in these areas. So, if you’ve got plans this weekend, you might want to reconsider or at least adjust them because this storm is going to pack quite a punch.
Here’s What You Can Expect:
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Snowfall: The snow is expected to start falling late Friday evening, and it’s not going to let up until Saturday afternoon. 5 to 10 inches of snow is possible, with the heaviest snow hitting overnight and early Saturday morning. Roads will likely become snow-covered and slippery, making travel dangerous. You’ll definitely want to prepare for slick roads if you plan on being out and about.
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Blowing Snow and Wind: In addition to the snow, winds will be gusting up to 30 mph, causing blowing snow and reduced visibility. This means driving could be extremely tricky, especially on highways like I-25, where white-out conditions might occur, and you might not even be able to see a few feet in front of you. Snowdrifts will make some roads impassable, and visibility will be poor. So if you’re thinking of heading out, drive with caution or better yet, stay home.
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Icy Roads: It’s not just the snow that will make travel difficult; the temperatures are going to dip down into the low 20s and teens. This means the snow will quickly turn into ice, and the roads will become slick and potentially dangerous. Even after the snow stops, you’ll still be dealing with icy patches and snowdrifts, so it’s going to take a while for things to clear up.
Why This Storm Is More Than Just Snow:
You might be thinking, “It’s just snow, no big deal,” but this storm is bringing more than just the white stuff. Here’s why it’s more serious than you might expect:
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Low Visibility: With the snow and wind combined, visibility will be severely reduced. As the snow blows around, you won’t be able to see more than a few feet ahead, and driving will be incredibly challenging. It’ll feel like a full-blown white-out in some areas, which could cause confusion and stress on the road.
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Freezing Temperatures: The freezing temperatures will be a major factor in how dangerous this storm could get. As the snow falls, it will freeze quickly, turning the roads into slippery, icy conditions. Even though the snow will stop by Saturday afternoon, the ice will remain, so you’ll still need to be extra cautious when driving or walking.
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High Winds: Along with the snow, winds gusting up to 30 mph will create snowdrifts, blocking roads and making it hard to get around. These winds will also reduce visibility, so it’s not just the snow that will make driving difficult—it’s the wind and drifting snow, too. You’ll want to be prepared for blowing snow that can appear out of nowhere and make it feel like you’re driving blind.
How to Stay Safe:
If you can avoid going out, that’s your safest bet. But if you absolutely must travel, here’s how you can prepare and keep yourself safe:
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Prepare Your Vehicle: Before heading out, make sure your car is ready for the storm. Double-check your tires to make sure they have enough tread, make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition, and top off your gas tank. You should also have an emergency kit with things like water, snacks, blankets, and extra clothing in case you get stuck. A fully charged phone is a must, too.
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Monitor Weather and Road Conditions: Stay updated on weather forecasts and road conditions before and during your trip. Winter storms can escalate quickly, so it’s important to know what’s coming up. If the forecast looks particularly bad, it’s best to wait until it clears up before you head out.
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Drive Slowly and Carefully: If you must travel, slow down and give yourself plenty of time to react to the conditions. Increase your following distance, keep your headlights on, and take it easy on turns and stops. Snow and ice are slippery, so don’t rush. If conditions get worse, find a safe place to pull over and wait until the storm eases up.
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Delay Your Travel Plans: If you can, postpone your trip or stay indoors. This storm has the potential to cause significant delays, and traveling through snow-covered roads could be dangerous. If you don’t absolutely need to be out, staying put will be the safest choice.
