Hold onto your hats, Colorado! A fierce storm is barreling through the central mountains, bringing moderate snow and strong winds up to 50 MPH. The storm is expected to last until midnight tonight, and it’s creating hazardous conditions that will make traveling, well, a lot more challenging than usual. If you’re planning to head out or have to drive tonight, you need to know what you’re in for.
Here’s What’s Coming Your Way:
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Moderate Snowfall: Expect 3 to 5 inches of snow to accumulate through the night. Roads are going to get slick fast, and if you’re headed up into the mountains or down a highway, be prepared for snow-covered streets and reduced traction. The snow will fall steadily, so roads will stay messy and dangerous.
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Wind Gusts of 50 MPH: The wind isn’t just a side note in this storm—50 MPH gusts are going to make everything worse. These winds will blow the snow around, creating near whiteout conditions in some areas. In other words, visibility is going to be extremely poor, especially on the higher, exposed roads. The wind could also make it feel a lot colder than it actually is, so bundle up.
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Timing: Snow and wind will keep going strong throughout the evening, lasting until midnight tonight, with conditions still likely to be tough through the night. If you’re planning to travel, be aware that roads could remain icy and hazardous into tomorrow morning.
What It Means for You:
If you’re heading out into Colorado’s central mountain areas tonight, don’t take this lightly. The roads are going to be slick, and visibility will be dangerously low. Those mountain passes and highways you know so well? They’re going to be a lot harder to navigate tonight. If you don’t absolutely need to drive, stay home. If you have to go out, make sure your car is ready for winter weather—check your tires, make sure you’ve got plenty of gas, and pack an emergency kit just in case you get stuck.
How to Stay Safe:
Here’s what you can do to make sure you’re staying safe during this storm:
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Avoid traveling if you can. Conditions will get worse before they get better. The combination of snow and wind is going to make driving difficult and risky. If you don’t need to go anywhere, it’s best to stay off the roads. If you absolutely must head out, give yourself plenty of extra time, and make sure your car is prepared for the worst.
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Prepare for the worst if you must go out. If you have to drive, bring an emergency kit with blankets, snacks, water, and a flashlight. Also, make sure your phone is fully charged in case you need it for emergency updates or to call for help.
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Watch for icy roads. Even when the snow slows down, the ice will stick around. Roads at higher elevations and in shaded areas will stay slippery longer. The wind will also blow snow across the roads, so it’s important to drive slowly, keep your headlights on, and be prepared for sudden slick spots.
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Stay updated. Keep an eye on local weather reports and road conditions. Some mountain passes might be closed, or certain roads might be impassable. It’s a good idea to check before you head out to avoid any surprises along the way.
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Be cautious on the road. If you’re already out driving, take it slow and keep a good distance from other vehicles. With snow blowing across the roads, it can be hard to see what’s ahead of you. Make sure you’re being as cautious as possible.
Tonight is going to be a rough one for Colorado’s central mountains. The snow and wind are going to make things tricky for anyone who has to be on the road, and the cold temperatures will make it feel even worse. If you can stay home, do it. If you absolutely must travel, be prepared for slow, tough conditions and take it easy on the roads.
