STATEWIDE — The Colorado Department of Transportation is gearing up for a series of snow storms that will impact much of the state over the next few days. CDOT warns motorists, as they travel Thursday, Friday and over the holiday weekend, that they may encounter delays due to adverse weather, difficult driving conditions and potential road closures.

Over the next few days, CDOT’s winter operations division and partnering agency, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), will be keeping a close eye on known snow slide paths located along Colorado mountain highways across the state. The agencies will work together to determine if avalanche control operations are required to keep high country passes safe for the traveling public. Travelers are urged to visit www.COtrip.org for possible closures and travel conditions.

NORTHWEST COLORADO AND I-70 MOUNTAIN CORRIDOR: Snow was already moving into western Colorado spreading east into the central mountains Wednesday evening. The next Pacific system will bring heavy, wet snow to the mountains and I-70 corridor through Thursday afternoon. Mountain highways are expected to become snow covered tonight and Thursday morning. Strong winds through the mountain passes will produce areas of blowing, drifting snow and poor visibility. Motorists are encouraged to slow down, plan ahead and be prepared to drive in tough winter conditions.

SOUTHWEST & SOUTH-CENTRAL COLORADO: The first wave of this very wet Pacific storm system will significantly impact higher elevations. Motorists traveling over southwest and south-central mountain passes should use extreme caution. Blowing snow will reduce visibility. Lower elevations and valleys will see wet snow and rain producing slushy driving conditions. A second round of heavy snow is expected to arrive Thursday evening. Unsettled weather will remain in the region through early next week.

SOUTHEAST COLORADO: The southeast portion of the state will see sustained winds ranging from 20 to 30 mph, with gusts in excess of 60 mph. While this portion of the state is not expected to see snowfall with this storm, the winds will have an impact on drivers. High wind advisories are in place and restrictions for commercial vehicles and high profile vehicles may be enacted as needed. Blowing dust could impact visibility.

NORTHEAST COLORADO: Starting Wednesday night, snow and strong winds began to produce blowing and drifting snow in the northeast mountains and foothills. Peak gusts could reach 60 to 90 MPH. Continuing through the weekend Pacific moisture will bring more snow in the mountains. On the northeast plains cold temperatures and light snow can be expected off and on over the next few days.

METRO DENVER: Drivers in the metro Denver area will see a reprieve from this statewide storm system. Thursday night, the forecast calls for a 30 perent chance of a rain-snow mix with little or no snow accumulations. Motorists should be prepared for expected freezing rain Friday morning. Drivers are urged to be aware of slick driving conditions. The Denver area could also see a slight chance of snow showers on Sunday.     

STAY INFORMED:

Road conditions and travel information: www.COtrip.org

Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts

See scheduled lane closures: codot.gov/travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html

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