Colorado Drivers Beware: Winter Storm to Cause Hazardous Roads and Delays Until Saturday!

If you live near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains or are planning to travel through this area, it’s time to take a serious look at the weather forecast. Starting Thursday evening, a heavy snowstorm is headed our way. By Friday, you can expect up to 14 inches of snow, strong winds, and dangerous road conditions that could make getting around a real challenge. The storm will stick around into Saturday morning, making it a long few days for those living and traveling through the region.

So, What’s Coming?

• Snow, Snow, and More Snow: If you think a little snow won’t hurt, think again. This storm will bring heavy snowfall that’s likely to stick around and accumulate, with up to 14 inches of snow in the higher elevations. This much snow in such a short time means that the roads will quickly become slick, and driving could become extremely hazardous. Expect snow to start falling Thursday night and continue through Friday and into Saturday.

• Windy Conditions: Along with all that snow, winds gusting up to 40 mph will add another layer of difficulty. These strong winds won’t just cause snow to fall; they’ll blow it around, leading to white-out conditions. If you’ve ever driven in snowstorms, you know how disorienting and dangerous it can be when you can’t even see the road in front of you. These conditions could make even familiar routes feel unsafe and tough to navigate.

• Icy, Slippery Roads: Major routes like CO-69 and US-160 are going to get snow-covered and icy very quickly. And it’s not just about snow—it’s about snowdrifts, ice patches, and slick roads that can catch you off guard. Roads that are usually manageable in winter could become impassable in a hurry, so even if you’re familiar with the area, don’t underestimate the danger.

Why Is This Storm Different?

It’s not just about the snow—it’s the combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and blowing snow that will make travel so tricky. Here’s why:

• Visibility Will Be Terrible: Winds will blow snow around so much that visibility will be next to nothing at times. You could be driving on a road you know well and still feel like you’re driving blind. White-out conditions could make it nearly impossible to see the road, and even if you can see, snowdrifts and icy patches could make it hard to know where the lane ends and the shoulder begins.

• Mountain Roads are No Joke: The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are beautiful, but they also come with their challenges, even when the weather is clear. Add snow, wind, and ice, and suddenly you’re dealing with a road situation that can be very dangerous, even for experienced drivers. What you might consider a routine drive could turn into a nightmare in these conditions, especially with slippery spots and snowdrifts.

How to Stay Safe:

Here’s what you need to do to stay safe during this storm:

1. If You Don’t Have to Travel, Don’t: The best thing you can do is to stay off the roads if you don’t need to go anywhere. If your plans can be changed, postpone them. If you must travel, expect significant delays and hazardous conditions, so it’s best to avoid it if you can.

2. Prepare Your Vehicle: If you must go out, make sure your car is ready for winter weather. Check your tires (snow tires are a good idea), make sure your windshield wipers are working, and make sure your gas tank is full. Keep an emergency kit in your car with essentials like water, blankets, snacks, and a flashlight. Also, bring a phone charger—you’ll need it in case you get stuck or need to call for help.

3. Stay Updated on Conditions: Don’t just assume the roads are clear. Stay connected to the latest weather reports and road conditions. Road closures are possible, and even if the roads are open, they could be treacherous. If you’re on the road and conditions worsen, consider turning around and heading to a safer place.

4. Know When to Call It Quits: If you find yourself already on the road and conditions start to get worse—whether the snow is falling too heavily, the visibility drops, or the roads become too slick—turn around and head back. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so don’t push your luck. Sometimes, the safest choice is to wait out the storm in a safe location.

What You Can Expect:

• Snowfall Totals: In the higher elevations, expect up to 14 inches of snow. Even lower elevations will see significant snow, which will create slick roads and dangerous travel conditions. The snow will continue into Saturday morning, so travel might be difficult for a few days.

• Strong Winds: Winds will gust up to 40 mph, causing blowing snow and low visibility. This means you might find yourself driving in conditions where you can barely see the road ahead, making it extremely difficult and dangerous to continue.

• Icy, Snow-Covered Roads: Roads like US-160 and CO-69 will be snow-packed and icy, making driving hazardous. Snowdrifts could make it difficult to know where the road ends and the snow begins. Be ready for the unexpected.