**Key Takeaways:**
– A significant snowstorm in Colorado led to the closure of key highways on Wednesday night.
– The closures affected major routes in the high country, including parts of I-70 and CO-119.
– The storm, expected to last from Wednesday through Friday, could bring heavy snow and high winds, particularly east of the Continental Divide.
– Up to 45 inches of snow is forecasted for areas around Conifer on U.S. 285, with potential closures on Interstate 25.
– The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has issued warnings for commercial and passenger vehicles to have proper traction devices and emergency provisions.
– Snowfall is anticipated to continue through Thursday, with the Pinpoint Weather team providing ongoing updates.
—
On the evening of Wednesday, as Colorado braced for a substantial snowstorm predicted to unleash significant snowfall across the mountains, foothills, and the Denver metro area, authorities shut down key highways. The Colorado Department of Transportation highlighted the following critical closures by 9:30 p.m.:
– The westbound lanes of I-70 from milepost 259 to 205, stretching from west of Denver to Silverthorne.
– The eastbound section of I-70 at milepost 205 near Silverthorne.
– CO-119 at milepost 25 near Nederland, and the stretch from Blackhawk to US-6 in both directions.
The state was under a winter storm warning from Wednesday to Friday, anticipating heavy snow coupled with strong winds. The forecast suggested that several feet of snow could accumulate in areas situated east of the Continental Divide, including the foothills and the Denver metro vicinity.
Particularly, regions around Conifer on U.S. 285 were expected to witness snowfall reaching up to 45 inches. Officials also did not rule out the possibility of closures on Interstate 25 due to the severe weather conditions.
CDOT issued advisories urging commercial vehicles to be equipped with tire chains or alternative traction devices. Similarly, passenger vehicles were likely to require adequate snow tires or other forms of traction assistance. Moreover, travelers were advised to carry essential supplies like food, water, and blankets in their vehicles, preparing for the possibility of being stranded for an extended period before rescue.
The snowstorm was expected to persist into Thursday, with the Pinpoint Weather team committed to providing frequent updates on the evolving conditions. Residents and travelers were encouraged to stay informed about the storm and forecast changes through available weather resources, ensuring preparedness for the adverse conditions ahead.